Overview

• On July 3 a powerful explosion at Mount Shinmoedake propelled an ash plume to 6.7 kilometres above sea level.
• Local authorities reported heavy ashfall across Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures and advised residents to stay indoors, wear masks and protect water supplies.
• The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the volcanic alert to Level 3 on June 27 after detecting increased seismic activity, ground deformation and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions.
• A mandatory exclusion zone within a three-kilometre radius around the summit crater remains in place to guard against volcanic bombs, ash and pyroclastic flows.
• Volcanologists continue close surveillance of gas emissions and ground swelling and caution that further eruptions are possible.