World News
Mount Aso in Southern Japan Eruptes Belching out Columns of Ash
The meteorologists warned of a heavy ash fall within 30 kilometres northeast of the mountain
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KYUSHU – Mount Aso in southern Japan erupted early Saturday belching a column of ash several thousand meters into the air, the latest eruption in one of the world’s most volcanic active countries.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued its third-highest alert, warning people not to approach the volcano after it rumbled to life at 1.56am (11.56pm on Friday in Thailand).
The meteorologists warned of a heavy ash fall within 30 kilometers northeast of the mountain, with moderate and light ash falls forecast up to 250 kilometers away over the next few hours.
Mount Aso’s huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre volcano is a popular tourist spot.
Mount Aso previously erupted in September last year, rumbling to life after being dormant for 19 years.
Japan, with scores of active volcanoes, sits on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a large proportion of the world’s quakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.
On Sept 27, 2014, Japan suffered its deadliest eruption in almost 90 years when Mount Ontake, in central Nagano prefecture, burst unexpectedly to life.
An estimated 63 people were killed in the shock eruption which occurred as the peak was packed with hikers out to see the region’s spectacular autumn colors.
Japan has around a dozen volcanic warnings in effect at present.
