Japan’s Sakurajima Volcano Erupts Again, Forcing Cancellation of Over 30 Flights

Islamabad: Japan’s Sakurajima volcano, located on the southwestern island of Kyushu, has erupted once again with multiple explosive blasts, sending massive clouds of ash and smoke up to 4.4 kilometers into the sky.

Continuous ashfall forced the cancellation of at least 30 flights.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the first major explosion occurred at 1:00 a.m., followed by two more eruptions at 2:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. This is the first time in nearly 13 months that ash plumes have risen higher than 4 kilometers.

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Local media reported that numerous flights to and from Kagoshima Airport were suspended due to ashfall and reduced visibility.

After the latest eruption, volcanic ash drifted toward the northeast, prompting forecasts of ashfall in Kagoshima and nearby Miyazaki prefectures.

Sakurajima is considered one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, where periodic eruptions are common. In 2019, the volcano spewed ash and smoke up to 5.5 kilometers into the atmosphere.