One of Japan’s most active volcanoes erupted repeatedly on Sunday, sending a column of ash and smoke more than four kilometres into the sky and disrupting air travel across the southwestern region.
Sakurajima, located on the southern edge of Kyushu near the city of Kagoshima, began erupting shortly after 1 a.m. according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Two further eruptions followed at about 2.30 a.m. and again just before 9 a.m. Local media said the highest plume reached 4.4 kilometres, the most powerful burst recorded in nearly thirteen months. The agency said the ash cloud drifted northeast and warned that ashfall was expected across Kagoshima and parts of neighbouring Miyazaki Prefecture throughout the day.
Air travel was the first major casualty. Broadcasters reported that about thirty flights to and from Kagoshima Airport were cancelled as airlines struggled with visibility concerns and ash accumulation on runways. Officials said operations could face further disruption if the volcano continued to eject material at the same intensity.
Sakurajima is regarded as one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is closely monitored. Moderate eruptions occur frequently, and residents in nearby districts are used to periodic ashfall coating buildings, vehicles and farmland. The volcano’s strongest recent activity was in 2019 when it produced a plume rising about 5.5 kilometres.
Authorities did not issue evacuation orders on Sunday as the eruptions remained within expected patterns, though they urged residents to stay alert to falling ash and potential small stones near the crater. No injuries or damage were reported.
The agency said it was assessing the latest activity but did not raise the alert level. Scientists continue to study gas emissions and seismic activity around the crater to determine whether the volcano is entering a more active phase.
