A dramatic eruption rocked Shinmoedake volcano in Japan’s Kirishima mountain range at approximately 5:23 AM local time on Sunday,  sending a towering ash plume more than 3,000 meters above the crater, according to local media reports.

The volcano, situated on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been erupting intermittently since June 27, with Sunday’s event marking one of its most significant eruptions in recent months.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the ash plume is drifting northeast, potentially reaching as far as Takanabe in Miyazaki Prefecture, as confirmed by national broadcaster NHK. Moderate ashfall is expected in the municipalities of Kobayashi and Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture, as well as Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture. The JMA also warned that small volcanic rocks could fall within a 14-kilometer radius northeast of the crater, posing risks to infrastructure and residents in the affected areas.

The JMA has maintained its eruption alert level at 3, urging residents to remain vigilant. Authorities have advised avoiding areas within 3 kilometers of the crater due to the risk of large volcanic rocks and within 2 kilometers due to the potential for dangerous pyroclastic flows. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urge residents to follow evacuation advisories and stay informed,” a JMA spokesperson stated during a press briefing on Sunday morning.

Local authorities reported that ashfall has already begun affecting parts of Miyazaki Prefecture, with light ash deposits observed in Kobayashi. No injuries or significant damage to infrastructure have been reported, but officials have cautioned that air quality may deteriorate in affected areas, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Kagoshima Prefecture government has deployed emergency response teams to monitor the situation and assist residents in high-risk zones.

Recent posts on X indicate growing concern among locals, with some sharing images of ash-covered vehicles and streets in nearby towns. One user in Miyazaki noted, “The sky is hazy, and there’s a faint smell of sulfur. It’s unsettling.” While these reports remain unverified, they underscore the community’s heightened awareness of the ongoing volcanic activity.

The JMA also noted that Shinmoedake’s activity remains unpredictable, with the potential for further eruptions in the coming days. Scientists are analyzing seismic data to assess whether additional evacuations may be necessary. “The volcano has been restless for weeks, and this eruption suggests it remains highly active,” said Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, a volcanologist at Kyushu University, in an interview with NHK.

Local governments have issued advisories urging residents to wear masks to protect against ash inhalation and to secure outdoor property against potential rockfall damage. Flights in the region are under review, with Kagoshima Airport reporting possible delays due to ash in the atmosphere, though no cancellations have been confirmed as of Sunday evening.

Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima volcanic complex, has a history of significant eruptions, including a major event in 2011 that disrupted air travel and prompted evacuations. The current activity has renewed concerns about its impact on agriculture, tourism, and public health in the region.

Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to stay updated via official channels, including JMA alerts and local government announcements. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of communities near Shinmoedake while scientists work to predict the volcano’s next moves. (ILKHA)