Western Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupts, alert level raised to 5

There were reports of volcanic stones raining down at a distance of 2.5 km from the volcano, NHK public television said.

Updated on: Jul 24, 2022, 17:55:33 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A volcano on Japan's western major island of Kyushu, called Sakurajima, erupted at about 8:05 p.m. (1105 GMT) on Sunday, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. No details were immediately available from JMA, reported Reuters.

Sakurajima is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and eruptions of varying levels are frequent. (Photo for representational purpose only.)

There were reports of volcanic stones raining down at a distance of 2.5 km from the volcano, NHK public television said. The eruption alert level has been raised to 5, the highest, with some areas advised to evacuate, NHK said.

Sakurajima is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and eruptions of varying levels are frequent. In 2019 it spewed ash 5.5 km high. Sakurajima is connected to the Osumi Peninsula of Kyushu, Japan’s southwestern main island.

Japan lies at the convergence of four tectonic plates, subjecting the nation to frequent volcanic eruptions and 20 per cent of the world's most powerful earthquakes.

The volcano also sits off the coast of Kagoshima, a city of about 600,000 people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More