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Sakurajima Erupts, Sending 4.4 km Ash Plume and Disrupting Flights in Kyushu

Officials kept Alert Level 3 with access near the crater restricted.

Overview

  • The Minamidake crater erupted around 00:57, with further blasts at about 02:30 and 08:50 local time on Nov. 16.
  • JMA measured ash plumes near 4,400 meters, while satellite and VAAC analysis estimated a transient top near 5,500 meters.
  • About 30 flights were canceled at Kagoshima Airport as runways were swept and aircraft underwent post-ash inspections, with additional delays into Nov. 17.
  • Forecasts warned of ashfall over parts of Kagoshima, Miyazaki and Kumamoto prefectures as the cloud drifted mainly northeast.
  • Authorities reported no injuries or building damage and continued monitoring at Alert Level 3.