Sakurajima Erupts, Lofting 4.4‑Km Plume as Ash Disrupts Flights in Kagoshima

Overview

• The main explosion at the Minamidake crater occurred around 12:57 a.m. local time, followed by eruptions at about 2:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m.
• The ash column rose to roughly 4,400 meters, the first plume above 4,000 meters since October 18 last year, according to the meteorological observatory.
• The Japan Meteorological Agency kept the alert at level 3, restricting access to the mountain and issuing ashfall forecasts for Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki.
• Officials advised precautions such as masks, umbrellas and slower driving as large volcanic rocks reached as far as the fifth station, with no pyroclastic flows detected.
• Local media reported about 30 flight cancellations at Kagoshima Airport as ash drifted northeast, while authorities confirmed no injuries or structural damage.