Volcanic eruption covers four towns in ash
Residents in southwestern became increasingly concerned on Thursday, as the Shinmoedake volcano continued to erupt
The volcano erupted Thursday for the first time in six years and spread ash in nearby cities and towns. (Photo: Tomoaki Ito/Kyodo News)
The volcano, on Kirishimayama, at the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki reportedly erupted on Wednesday for the first time in six years.
According to Japanese broadcaster TBS, the plume rose to the height of around 1,700 metres from the crater, with ash fall being confirmed in four towns and cities in Miyazaki prefecture with Thursday’s eruption.
Footage from TBS, showed elementary school students wearing helmets and masks on their way to school, at the foot of Shinmoedake.
On Wednesday morning, the eruption warning level was raised from two to five, said the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency have warned of big eruptions and pyroclastic flow, in the range of 2 kilometres from the crater.
