El Sakurajima volcanoIn Kagoshima Prefecture (southwest Japan), a new explosion was recorded early this morning from the Minamidake crater, raising a ash column over four kilometers —with peaks of around 4.400 meters—, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
For the time being No damage or injuries have been reported.although the authorities issued Ashfall warnings in areas of Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki. The explosion ejected volcanic blocks up to 1,2 km from the crater and monitoring has been strengthened in anticipation of possible additional incidents.
What is known about the eruption
The JMA placed the start of the main explosion at 00:57 (local time), equivalent to 15:57 GMT on Saturday. It is the first eruption of this crater since October of last year and the crater is part of the volcano structureAfter the initial event, activity continued for some time with ash emissions.
In addition to the ash, the following were observed: rock projections up to 1,2 kilometers from the Minamidake, without being detected pyroclastic flowsSakurajima is located about 1.000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo and very close to inhabited areas.
The weather agency warned of Ashfall in parts of Kagoshima and Miyazakirecommending simple protective measures to the population such as Wear masks or umbrellas and drive with caution, given that visibility may be affected by the suspended cloud.
Alert and affected population
Around 600 residents They live within a 4-kilometer radius of the volcano, where the alert level 3 (on a scale of 5) Since 2016, this category prohibits approaching the crater and entails constant monitoring, although It has not been necessary to activate evacuations with this episode.
The city of Kagoshima, located about 4 kilometers from the main cone, frequently notices ash deposition; in this case, the main anticipated nuisance is the reduced visibility and falling particles in certain areas.
Background and geological context
Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the country, with activity virtually continuous since 1955Its most famous episode was the great eruption of 1914, when the lava flows They created an isthmus with the ÅŒsumi peninsula and were recorded 58 victims, permanently altering the local geography.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 110 active volcanoesThis necessitates a permanently operational network of observation and civil protection personnel. Today's eruption has once again placed Sakurajima at the center of this monitoring, with no serious impacts, but under continuous technical observation.
With a column above four kilometersAsh warnings in Kagoshima and Miyazaki, no pyroclastic flows or damage reported and the 3 level Despite this, Japanese authorities insist on caution as monitoring of Sakurajima continues after its reactivation.
