17 Jan 2019 | 11:19 AM UTC
Japan: Shindake volcano erupts on Kuchinoerabu island (south) Jan. 17
Shindake volcano located in the southern Kuchinoerabu island erupts on Jan. 17; no damages or injuries reported
Event
Shindake volcano, located on Kuchinoerabu island (south), erupted on Thursday, January 17, blasting rocks and ashes into the atmosphere. However, it did not reached the residential areas located some 2 km (1.2mi) from the crater. No casualties or damages were reported. Local residents were able to return home after an evacuation advisory was lifted less than two hours after the eruption.
Context
Shindake's last major eruption occurred in 2015, prompting the evacuation of the entire population.
Japan sits on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where a significant proportion of the planet's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.
Advice
Individuals in or traveling near the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
