Japan: New powerful eruption at Mount Shinmoe (Kyushu)

Event

On Thursday, April 5, around 03:30 (local time), a powerful volcanic eruption occurred at Mount Shinmoe - which straddles Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on the southwestern island of Kyushu - causing volcanic rock and ash to spew 5000 m (1640 ft) into the atmosphere. The alert level at the volcano has been maintained at 3, on a scale of 1 to 5; individuals have been warned against approaching the mountain due to the risk of large flying rocks within a 3-km (1.9-mi) radius of the crater and pyroclastic (hot gas) flow within a 2-km (1.2-km) radius. If the alert level is raised to 4, an evacuation warning would be issued.

Context

Mount Shinmoe - located in the Kirishima mountain range - erupted violently for the first time in about seven years on March 6. During a recent eruption on March 25, the volcano spewed plumes of smoke and volcanic ash approximately 2100 m (6900 ft) above its crater. 

Advice

Individuals present in the Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures are advised to avoid Mount Shinmoe until further notice, monitor the situation, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.