Volcano erupts on western Japanese island of Kyushu, alert level raised to 5

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jul 24, 2022 | Guriya Khatun

Since four tectonic plates collide in Japan, the country is frequently vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and 20% of the world's most powerful earthquakes.

Digital Desk: The Sakurajima volcano on Kyushu, the westernmost of Japan's main islands, erupted at 8 p.m. (1105 GMT) on Sunday, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported. 

Reuters reported that no details were immediately available from JMA.

NHK public television reported that volcanic stones were reportedly raining down 2.5 kilometres away from the volcano. According to NHK, the eruption alert level has been increased to 5, the highest, and some areas have been warned to evacuate.

One of Japan's most active volcanoes, Sakurajima frequently has eruptions of different intensities. It emitted ash that rose 5.5 kilometres in 2019. The Osumi Peninsula of Kyushu, Japan's southwest main island, is connected to Sakurajima.

Since four tectonic plates collide in Japan, the country is frequently vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and 20% of the world's most powerful earthquakes.

The volcano is also located near Kagoshima, which has a population of roughly 600,000.