Officials with the Japan Meteorological Agency have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at the Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture as of Feb. 14. Explosive eruptive activity was observed at the Minamidake summit crater from around 18:30 Feb. 14, which produced an ash cloud rising to around 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above the crater.
The JMA has forecast heavy and moderate ashfall in areas of the Sakurajima Peninsula just to the north of the summit and light ashfall gradually spreading east-northeastward across parts of Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and far southern Kumamoto Prefectures. Large volcanic blocks and other debris have also been observed being projected around 1,000-1,300 meters (3,280-4,265 feet) from the crater.
February 14, 2024
Eruption of Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture (#Japan). The plume rose to 5,000 meters above the summit crater for the first time since 2020.#creativesociety #thursdayvibes pic.twitter.com/wvM2htull0
— Roman Šťastný (@RomanStastny71) February 15, 2024
Authorities are maintaining alert level 3 (out of 5) for Sakurajima Volcano. Despite the increased volcanic activity, authorities have not issued any mandatory evacuations for the surrounding area. People are being advised to avoid the areas around the crater due to the risk of pyroclastic flows and other volcanic debris. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area
#Sakurajima volcano eruption accompanied by a large amount of lightning (#Japan, February 14, 2024).
The ash column rose to a height of 5000 meters above sea level. 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋
Watch now👉 https://t.co/QtSmY7k3fX pic.twitter.com/ykuLXa6kRF
— Andrey (@Andrej78069591) February 15, 2024
