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Japan hit by massive volcanic eruption
One of Japan’s most active volcanoes has erupted, prompting evacuations in the country’s southern island region.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency says the Sakura-jima volcano erupted around 8pm local time on Sunday night.
The volcanic eruption hurled large rocks as far as three kilometres south and sent up plumes of smoke and ash into the air.
The meteorological agency issued a Level 5 alert, which is the highest alert possible.
Residents have been told to leave immediately, but more than 600,000 people live in the city.
Evacuees were advised to be cautious of falling volcanic rocks and the possible flow of lava.
No injuries, deaths or damage have been reported.
Nuclear regulators said no irregularities were detected at the Sendai atomic plant 31 miles from the volcano.
The Minamidake summit cone and crater has been active since 1955, but it significantly decreased in the second half of 2021, according to the Smithsonian.