Volcanic Eruption In Southwestern Japan Triggers Highest Alert
Officials in southwestern Japan are calling on people within a radius of about 3 kilometers from Sakurajima's crater to stay on high alert for large flying volcanic rocks following massive eruptions.
A weather observatory in Kagoshima Prefecture says the volcano massively erupted on Sunday evening, spewing large rocks as far as 2.5 kilometers from the crater.
The observatory raised its alert to the highest level of five, saying the volcano is becoming very active. A level-five alert requires evacuation.
Eruptions are continuing, with another massive one reported early on Monday morning. Volcanic smoke reached a height of 2,200 meters.
Observatory officials are also advising extra caution against possible pyroclastic flows within a radius of about 2 kilometers.
On Monday morning, the observatory sent two of its staff to determine exactly where volcanic rocks have landed and to assess the damage caused by the eruptions.
It says the staff have used an infrared camera to monitor the temperatures of slopes. They are also said to have been traveling the road surrounding the volcano to check for flying rocks.
The observatory says no notable changes had been detected by 10:30 a.m.