Explosive eruptions at Sakurajima volcano, Japan
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported explosive eruptions at Sakurajima volcano between 07:10 and 07:29 LT on Monday, December 23, 2024, with ash clouds rising to approximately 3 000 m (9 850 feet) above the volcano.
A high-resolution satellite image of Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, captured on December 21, 2024. Image credit: CopernicusEU/Sentinel-2, EO Browser, The Watchers
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a forecast for light ashfall spreading southeast across Kagoshima Prefecture.
Volcanic ash is affecting the Osumi region, while small volcanic rocks could be carried by winds up to 7 km (4 miles) southeast of the volcano.
The JMA maintains Alert Level 3 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and has restricted access to the areas near the volcano’s summit. Residents are warned to stay careful as there is a risk of fast-moving hot gas flows and falling volcanic rocks.
In advisory issued at 05:50 UTC today, the Tokyo VAAC stated that volcanic ash could not be seen in satellite imagery, possibly because of meteorological clouds or its dissipation
The eruptions on December 23 follow a period of increased volcanic activity reported from December 9 to December 13 when small eruptions and nightly crater incandescence were recorded.
Public access within 1 km (0.6 miles) of both craters remains restricted. Officials have advised residents in Tarumizu City and other nearby areas to prepare for minor ashfall.
The ashfall is expected to cause disruptions, including reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions in affected areas. Authorities have warned that fine particulate matter could impact air travel, and temporary closures of airport facilities may occur if ash accumulates.
Transportation in the surrounding region may be disrupted, and roads near the volcano could be closed if conditions worsen. Seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides pose ongoing risks.
Sakurajima Volcano, part of the Aira Caldera in the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc, is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. The volcano rises to an elevation of 1 117 m (3 665 feet).
The Aira Caldera was formed approximately 22 000 years ago following a major eruption. Sakurajima’s frequent eruptions have historically impacted nearby Kagoshima City, situated only 8 km (5 miles) from the volcano.
The largest recorded eruption occurred between 1471 and 1476, with more recent important eruptions documented in 1914 and 2024.
References:
1 Sakurajima volcano – Tokyo VAAC – December 23, 2024
2 Aira – GVP – Accessed on December 23, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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