By / Edited and Reported by the Editorial Team of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network
Japan’s Meteorological Agency observed that at around 9:49 on the 14th (8:49 Taiwan time), Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu erupted. Tourists in the area fled the scene in panic, but fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.
Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, erupts. (Image source / Japan Meteorological Agency)
Mount Aso consists of five volcanic peaks and is the largest active volcano in Japan. The area is home to numerous hot springs. There were eruptions on both the 10th and 11th, and then on the morning of the 14th, Mount Aso suddenly erupted on a large scale, with smoke and ash shooting up to 2,000 meters into the sky. A large amount of ash also scattered across an area approximately 2 kilometers from the volcano.
Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, erupts. (Image source / NHK)
Japan’s Meteorological Agency raised the alert level from 2 to 3, prohibiting people from entering the mountain area. Larger-scale eruptions cannot be ruled out in the future. Flights at Kumamoto Airport have also been affected. Travelers planning to visit the area are advised to check flight updates and the latest situation on-site before making a decision.
Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan experiences frequent volcanic activity. In September last year, Mount Ontake in central Honshu erupted, resulting in 63 deaths — the most severe volcanic disaster in nearly 90 years. In May this year, Kuchinoerabujima Island in southern Japan also erupted suddenly, forcing residents to evacuate and airlines to adjust flight schedules.