Japan issues ashfall warning after Sakurajima volcano erupts
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a warning on Sunday following an early-morning eruption of the Sakurajima volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanic sites, located in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the eruption occurred before dawn, sending a plume of ash and smoke more than 4,400 meters into the atmosphere. No damage has been reported, a local official told AFP.
Despite the absence of immediate destruction, meteorologists warned of “moderate” ashfall expected across the prefectures of Kagoshima and Miyazaki. Residents were urged to take precautions, such as wearing masks, using umbrellas to shield themselves from volcanic ash, and driving slowly due to reduced visibility.
Sakurajima, a major tourist attraction, is known for its frequent ash emissions and is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Access to the area remains restricted by local authorities for safety reasons.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone where many of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
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