Volcanic ash wreaks havoc in Japan

Shinmoedake peak, a mountain in the Kirishima volcanic range between Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, erupts as seen from Kirishima. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Shinmoedake peak, a mountain in the Kirishima volcanic range between Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, erupts as seen from Kirishima. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
A man takes a picture of an erupting Shinmoedake peak from Takaharu town, in Miyazaki prefecture. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Volcanic lightning or a dirty thunderstorm is seen above Shinmoedake peak as it erupts, between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Crops are covered with volcanic ashes from erupting Shinmoedake peak in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters
An aerial view shows Shinmoedake peak erupting between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
People sweep volcanic ashes from erupting Shinmoedake peak in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
An aerial view shows Shinmoedake peak erupting between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Cars are covered with volcanic ashes from erupting Shinmoedake peak in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters
Shinmoedake peak erupts, as seen from Takaharu Town Office, Miyazaki prefecture early morning. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swathe of southern Japan straddling the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima as one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas erupted, prompting authorities to raise alert levels and call on for an evacuation of all residents within a 2km radius of the volcano. Photo: Reuters

Published Jan 29, 2011

A volcano in southern Japan has repeatedly erupted, spewing large amounts of ash and smoke over nearby towns, grounding flights and causing health concerns. Television footage showed residents scooping up thick ash from streets as the 1 421-metre volcano Shinmoedake shot out soot for a third day on Friday. Nobody has been injured in the eruption, but the Japan Meteorological Agency has restricted access to the mountain.

Dozens of domestic flights in and out of Miyazaki -about 950 kilometers southwest of Tokyo - have been grounded, with more cancellations expected for Saturday. Train service was temporarily suspended in the area. The local government also reported damages to crops.