![Volcanic eruption representative image [Photo:IANS]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/72110233/52b277ecd84edbfb9ff3ccbbb18656a096551de23a81268efa8d1a5b09c41b9a)
Overview
- Japan Meteorological Agency reported three blasts from the Minamidake crater early Sunday, beginning around 1:00 a.m. local time.
- Plumes rose to about 4,400 meters, the first to exceed 4 kilometers since October 2024, according to official monitoring.
- About 30 flights at Kagoshima Airport were canceled as ash reduced visibility and triggered safety inspections.
- Large volcanic rocks reached the fifth station, but authorities detected no pyroclastic flows and reported no injuries or major damage.
- Residents were advised to use masks or umbrellas and drive slowly, with access restrictions remaining in place near the summit.