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Sakurajima Eruptions Send Ash 4.4 km High, Disrupting Flights in Southern Japan

Officials kept Alert Level 3, urging precautions against ashfall.

Overview

  • Multiple explosions at the Minamidake crater occurred early Sunday at about 00:57, 02:30 and 08:50 local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
  • JMA measured ash plumes around 4.4 km high, while some satellite and VAAC analyses estimated maximum tops near 5.5 km.
  • Roughly 30 flights at Kagoshima Airport were canceled as crews swept runways and airlines conducted post-ash engine inspections, with some checks extending into Monday.
  • JMA issued ashfall forecasts for parts of Kagoshima, Miyazaki and Kumamoto prefectures and advised residents to use masks or umbrellas and drive slowly.
  • Authorities reported no injuries or building damage; large volcanic rocks reached the fifth station, and no pyroclastic flows were detected.