TOKYO, Aug 10 (NNN-NHK) – A powerful eruption occurred at Shinmoedake volcano, in Japan’s Kirishima mountain range, around 5:23 a.m. local time today, sending an ash plume soaring more than 3,000 metres above the crater, local media reported.
The volcano, located on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been erupting intermittently since Jun 27. Ash from today’s eruption is drifting north-east and could reach as far as Takanabe in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), warned that, moderate ashfall is expected in Kobayashi and Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture, as well as, Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Small volcanic rocks may fall within about 14 kilometres north-east of the crater, according to the JMA.
The agency is maintaining the eruption alert level at 3, advising residents to stay alert for large volcanic rocks, within three kilometres of the crater and pyroclastic flows within two kilometers.– NNN-NHK
