Volcano erupts in southern Japan, ash plume sparks safety warnings in Kagoshima and Miyazaki

Volcano erupts in southern Japan, ash plume sparks safety warnings in Kagoshima and Miyazaki



Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, erupted before dawn November 16, 2025, with Japan’s Meteorological Agency forecasting ashfall in part of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture. — AFP pic

Sunday, 16 Nov 2025 12:51 PM MYT


TOKYO, Nov 16 — A volcano in southern Japan erupted early Sunday sending a plume of ash and smoke into the sky and prompting a warning over ashfall.

Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, erupted before dawn, sending ash and smoke up to 4,400 metres (14,400 feet) into the sky, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

No damage has been reported, an official in Kagoshima prefecture, where the volcano is located, told AFP.

But the weather agency forecast ashfall in part of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, as the eruption continued several times.


“In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please take measures to protect yourself from ash, such as using umbrellas or masks, and make sure to drive slowly,” the agency said.


The agency has kept its alert level unchanged at three on a scale of five, which restricts access to the mountain. — AFP

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In ancient days superstitious natives sacrificed a virgin to the erupting volcano. Nowadays we aren't superstitious so a non-virgin female prime minister will do, wakakaka.