Japan puts alerts to the highest level                       for the Sakurajima volcano

The Japanese government raised its alert status at Mount Sakurajima volcano Tuesday morning to the highest level after an eruption early Monday evening sent ash billowing over parts of Kagoshima prefecture.

Japan put alerts to the highest level

The Japanese government raised its alert status at Mount Sakurajima volcano Tuesday morning to the highest level after an eruption early Monday evening sent ash billowing over parts of Kagoshima prefecture. Firefighters were deployed to prevent fires caused by volcanic ash falling on crops, according to Kyodo News agency. According to NHK public television, more than 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes near the volcano. Local authorities said they could not rule out the possibility of a lava flow toward local communities. Two people suffered minor injuries during the explosion.

 Ash cloud rose to more than 9 km height

A thick ash cloud rose to about 9 km (about 5 miles) above ground level, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In addition to the ash cloud, hot gas spewed from the crater. Since Sakurajima's last major eruption occurred in 1779, it is thought to be among the world's most active volcanoes.

Volcanologists warn of possible lava flows

Volcanologists warned of the potential for lava flows and said it was too early to determine whether any had already started. Scientists don't know what kind of magma is fueling the explosions, but the situation is similar to one in May 2012, when pyroclastic flows — fast-moving currents of superheated gas and fragments of rocks and sand — swept down the slopes of Sakurajima's northern flank, killing three people.

More eruptions likely

Officials said they expect more eruptions are possible, although scientists say its unlikely Sakurajima will erupt again this year. But they added that Sakurajima is considered highly dangerous and people should take precautions if they live nearby.

Emergency evacuation order issued

Authorities ordered residents living west of the mountain to evacuate immediately. Many people fled their houses as soon as they heard the ash cloud rising, NHK reported. Kagoshima Gov. Yuji Kuroiwa urged people to stay indoors until further notice. He said many of those who have left their houses may end up stranded without shelter. A police official told Kyodo News that seven people are missing in connection with the eruption.

Three injured in blast

Two men and a woman were injured Monday night when they were hit by pieces of flying debris while clearing up around the area where the volcano erupted, Kyodo News reported. One man broke a leg, and both his legs and the right side of his chest were covered with burns, the broadcaster said. Police declined to give information about them.

Large ash cloud continues to spread

An ash plume continued spreading across the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, reaching nearly 8,500 meters (28,000 feet), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That's more than 4 miles high, well above average eruptions. As of 11 p.m. (0100 GMT Wednesday), the ash cloud extended some 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). Japan's meteorological agency said that ash is drifting eastward and that it would reach the southern tip of Okinawa Island by Wednesday afternoon.