According to Volcano Discovery at 11:17 a.m. UTC, Sakurajima volcano erupted on sunday after previous eruptions earlier in the year. Social media photos from live cameras near Tarumizu City show smoke and lava.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a level 5 volcano warning, meaning evacuation.
Residents of Kagoshima City have been told to leave the area after being previously told to “avoid the danger zone”.
Public television channel NHK reported no damage as of publication, but volcanic rocks could be seen raining up to 2.4 miles away from the site.
Fumio Kishida, the Japanese Prime Minister, has ordered the government to take steps to protect lives.
The volcano is the historically active center of the larger complex of the Aira caldera volcano.
Located opposite Kagoshima Bay, which separates the city and the volcano by 4.2 km of water, the summit is just 8 km east of the city of Kagoshima with a population of half a million.
Due to its explosive potential, it is considered a very dangerous volcano and is closely monitored.
The largest historical eruptions of Sakurajima occurred in 1471-1476 and in 1914.
Unlike the ash produced by burning wood and other organic materials, volcanic ash can be dangerous.
The particles are very hard and usually have jagged edges and as a result it can cause eye, nose and lung irritation as well as breathing problems.
In the air, ash can cause problems for jet engines, forcing airlines to cancel flights through the affected area.
An ash trap that leaves a thick layer of ash can cause roofs to collapse, gutters to clog and to disrupt air conditioning systems.
Animals in an area covered in volcanic ash may have difficulty finding food, as the plants in the area may be covered in ash.
Ash can also contaminate water resources.
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