A volcanic eruption in southern Japan has led to the cancellation of dozens of flights, disrupting travel across the region.
Sakurajima Erupts Multiple Times
Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes located near the city of Kagoshima on Kyushu island, erupted early Sunday morning. Two additional eruptions followed later in the morning, sending a towering plume of smoke and ash 4,400 meters into the sky.
Despite the intensity of the eruptions, there were no reports of injuries, property damage or pyroclastic flows.
Alert Level Raised, Ashfall Expected
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) raised the alert level to three out of five, restricting access to the volcano’s surrounding mountain area.
As the plume drifted northeast, the JMA warned of ashfall in parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki. Residents in affected areas were advised to wear masks, protect their eyes, and drive carefully due to reduced visibility.
Flight Cancellations at Kagoshima Airport
Around 30 flights arriving at or departing from Kagoshima Airport were canceled because of the eruption, mainly due to ashfall and visibility concerns. Additional disruptions could occur depending on weather conditions and volcanic activity.
A Long History of Volcanic Activity
Sakurajima frequently erupts and is considered one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Once an island, a major 1914 eruption produced a lava flow that created a land bridge connecting it to the Osumi Peninsula.
In February of last year, the volcano sent an ash column more than 16,000 feet high and launched large boulders up to a mile from the crater. A significant eruption six years ago produced a plume reaching 5,500 meters.
The latest activity marks the first time in 13 months that the volcano’s ash cloud has exceeded 4,000 meters.
Japan’s Volcanic Landscape
Japan sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The nation’s volcanic archipelago was formed by shifting tectonic plates, making eruptions and earthquakes a regular part of life.
