In a dramatic turn of events, a volcano on Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture erupted on Wednesday, sending plumes soaring to an impressive height of 5,000 metres above the summit crater.

This marked the first instance of such a towering eruption since 2020, as reported by a local weather observatory.

Fortunately, initial reports have indicated no injuries or significant damage to buildings in the surrounding area, according to the prefectural government.

However, caution remains high as the Kagoshima Meteorological Office has maintained the volcanic activity alert level at three, advising residents and visitors to steer clear of the vicinity.

The eruption took place at the Minamidake crater around 6:33 p.m., with intense volcanic activity catapulting rocks up to a distance of 1,000 to 1,300 meters. Although no pyroclastic flows were generated, the explosive nature of the eruption was a sight to behold.

In response to the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a forecast warning of volcanic ashes potentially falling in parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures, underscoring the widespread impact of this volcanic event.

This footage was filmed and produced 14 February 2024.

In a dramatic turn of events, a volcano on Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture erupted on Wednesday, sending plumes soaring to an impressive height of 5,000 meters above the summit crater. This marked the first instance of such a towering eruption since 2020, as reported by a local weather observatory.

Fortunately, initial reports have indicated no injuries or significant damage to buildings in the surrounding area, according to the prefectural government. However, caution remains high as the Kagoshima Meteorological Office has maintained the volcanic activity alert level at three, advising residents and visitors to steer clear of the vicinity.

The eruption took place at the Minamidake crater around 6:33 p.m., with intense volcanic activity catapulting rocks up to a distance of 1,000 to 1,300 meters. Although no pyroclastic flows were generated, the explosive nature of the eruption was a sight to behold.

In response to the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a forecast warning of volcanic ashes potentially falling in parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures, underscoring the widespread impact of this volcanic event.

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