Level 3 alert issued for Shinmoedake volcano, Japan after 200 tremors in 24 hours
Japan has raised the volcanic alert for Shinmoedake volcano to level 3 early Sunday, March 30, 2025, following the detection of more than 200 volcanic tremors within a 24-hour period.
Shinmoedake volcano erupting on February 3, 2011. Image credit: NASA Earth Observatory
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) raised the Volcanic Alert Level for Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group) to 3 on the five-level scale, restricting access to the mountain in southwestern Japan. The volcano had previously been under a level 2 alert since December, which restricted access to the crater.
The JMA reported increasing seismic activity, with tremors occurring directly beneath the crater.
The alert was issued after more than 200 tremors were recorded over a 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday. The agency noted that in some cases, up to 10 earthquakes occurred within one hour.
Ground deformation indicative of edifice inflation was detected from approximately 02:50 LT on Sunday, followed by a sequence of volcanic tremors lasting about 10 minutes.
Satellite-based observations confirm ground deformation consistent with gradual inflation in the surrounding area, beginning around November of the previous year.
Agency officials warned that an eruption could eject ballistic projectiles up to 4 km (2.5 miles) from the crater and generate pyroclastic density currents reaching distances of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles).
JMA cautioned that volcanic ash and lapilli may be transported by wind and deposited in distant areas. Additionally, air shock waves from a potential explosive eruption could cause structural damage, including shattered window panes.
Residents in the following areas have been advised to avoid approaching the crater: Miyakonojo, Kobayashi, and Ebino cities, as well as Takaharu Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, and Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
The last eruption in the Kirishima range occurred on June 27, 2018 (VEI 3), with no subsequent eruptions observed. Officials urged residents to follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
Residents in downwind areas, including drivers, are advised to remain alert for ash and small rockfall due to ongoing volcanic activity. Officials also reminded the public of the 2011 eruption that caused multiple injuries and shattered windows from air vibrations, urging people to stay away from the mountainside and to keep windows and curtains closed.
Kirishimayama is a complex volcanic group comprising more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes spread over an area of 20 x 30 km (12 x 18 miles) north of Kagoshima Bay. It includes stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and shield volcanoes, with Karakunidake as the highest peak.
Holocene eruptions have been primarily concentrated along an east–west line from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the northeast. The volcano has a documented history of frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions since the 8th century.
Reference:
1 Volcanic Warnings: Kirishimayama(Shinmoedake) Volcanic Warning (Near the crater) – JMA – March 30, 2025
2 Kirishimayama – Geological summary – GVP – Accessed March 31, 2025
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