Japan Mt. Shinmoedake erupts in southwestern Japan, smoke reaches 5,500 meters

Mount Shinmoedake in southwestern Japan has erupted again on Thursday, spewing smoke to a height of 5,500 meters from the crater. No ejections of large volcanic rocks or pyroclastic flows have been reported. The observatory is maintaining an alert level of 3 on Japan's five-level scale, meaning people should not approach the volcano.

Officials are calling on people to be on the alert for volcanic rocks within 3 kilometers from the crater and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers. The officials are also advising them to refrain from unnecessary outings and driving in areas where ash falls are expected.\