The Sakurajima volcano, located on a peninsula in Kagoshima Bay in southern Japan, has erupted. This was reported by the Kyodo agency, citing data from the Japan Meteorological Administration.
According to the agency, the eruption occurred at 00:57 local time. The ash column rose to a height of about 4,400 meters.
It is noted that there is no information about casualties or injuries. There was also no damage to buildings recorded in nearby settlements.
After the eruption, volcanic activity continued. Authorities have warned neighboring prefectures about the possibility of smoke and ash spreading.
Sakurajima is considered one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, and access to the crater has been restricted since February 2016. It is prohibited to approach it closer than two kilometers.
The peninsula on which the volcano is located was previously a separate island in Kagoshima Bay. However, after the largest eruption in Japanese history in 1914, lava flows filled the eastern part of the coastline and connected the island to the Osumi Peninsula.