The Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan’s most active and closely monitored volcanoes, erupted early Sunday in Kagoshima prefecture, launching a powerful plume of ash and smoke up to 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) into the sky. The eruption, which began around 12:57 a.m. local time, marked the first time since October 2023 that the plume surpassed the 4,000-meter threshold.

According to Japan’s meteorological observatory, activity continued after the initial blast, prompting the weather agency to issue ashfall forecasts for the prefectures of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki. Despite the intensity of the eruption, authorities confirmed that no injuries or structural damage have been reported.

The eruption originated from the Minamidake crater, a frequently active vent on the volcano. Large volcanic rocks were expelled as far as the fifth station, though notably, no pyroclastic flows were detected during the event. The volcanic alert level remains at 3 out of 5, which restricts access to certain areas around the volcano but does not yet require evacuations.

Sakurajima, once an island, became connected to Kyushu’s Osumi Peninsula after a major 1914 lava flow formed a natural land bridge. Today, it continues to be one of Japan’s most dynamic volcanic sites, frequently producing ash emissions and small to moderate eruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as residents in surrounding areas prepare for potential ashfall and minor disruptions.