Japan's most active volcano, Sakurajima Volcano, forced dozens of people from two neighboring towns in Kyusu to evacuate after volcanic ash and large rocks spewed into the night sky.
Sakurajima Eruption: Japan's Most Active Volcano
Sunday night in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan, large rocks scattered as far as 2.5 kilometers from the Sakurajima Volcano as it erupted. Footage shown on public television showed orange flames flashing near the volcano's crater with dark smoke and ash billowing high above the summit.
The Meteorological Agency of Japan has raised the eruption alert to the highest level advising 51 residents in two towns facing the volcano to evacuate immediately. On Monday morning, 33 residents left their homes and took shelter in a nearby nursing care facility in a safer and more secure part of the region, reports PhysOrg.
Yoshihiko Isozaki, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, told reporters that they would place the lives of the people as a priority. He urges residents to pay close attention to updates from the local authorities to safeguard their lives.
Although no damage or injuries have yet to be reported, a dusting of gray ash was visible on cars in Kagoshima. Schools in the vicinity are closed on Monday for clubs and extracurricular activities, reports JapanTimes.
JMA warns of the potential for falling volcanic rocks within 1.8 miles of the volcano's crater and possible flow of lava, searing gas, and ashfall within 1.2 miles.
The chances of even more explosive eruptions that are more violent are low. However, residents should still be looking for debris, mudslides, and pyroclastic flow, warns Tsuyoshi Nakutsuji, a JMA official. He also advises residents to close curtains and stay far from windows which could easily break by the force of any future eruptions.
On the main southern island of Kyushu, Sakurajima is the most active volcano in Japan. Although repeatedly erupting, its most devastating eruption was in 1914, which killed 58 people.
Most Active Volcano in Japan Not Feared to Cause Major Destruction
Residents expressed fear as many were surprised by the scale of Sakurajima's eruption. One hotel worker rushed to catch a ferry back home in an urban area of Kagoshima, the prefecture capital. She explains that her manager warned her and calls the ordeal a terrifying new experience.
The latest alert level is only the second time it has been applied to the volcano after the 2015 Kuchinoerabu Island, Kagoshima Prefecture erupted.
Since July 18, the Meteorological Agency has observed minor crustal movements, indicating a volcano expansion. Four eruptions were located at the Minamidake crater from Saturday to Sunday afternoon, with plumes rising to 1,200 meters.
Although no injury or damage resulting from the eruption, officials are also monitoring the nearby Sendai nuclear power plant, but no irregularities have been detected, reports CNN.
Even if no major eruptions are expected of the volcano, residents are advised to take the utmost precautions.
Read also: Hunga-Tonga Eruption: Strongest Volcanic Explosion of the Modern Era Based on Magnitude, Speed
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