Key Points
- Mount Shinmoedake erupted for the first time in seven years on June 22, 2025, with a plume of smoke reaching 500 meters.
- A safety advisory has been issued, warning of the danger of falling large rocks and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater.
- The alert level is 2, and residents in the surrounding areas are advised to be cautious of ash and small stones, especially on the downwind side.
Basic Information on the Eruption
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Date and Time
June 22, 2025, 4:37 PM (Japan Standard Time)
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Location
Mount Shinmoedake is part of the Kirishima mountain range, located on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, an area known for its active volcanic activity.
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Previous Eruption
The last eruption occurred in 2018, making this the first eruption in seven years.
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Height of the Plume
The plume rose approximately 500 meters from the crater and drifted eastward toward Miyazaki Prefecture.
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Alert Level
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining the current alert level at 2, which means “restricted access to the area around the crater.”
Safety Advisory and Hazards
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Area of Caution
Within 2 kilometers of the crater, there is a particular risk of falling large rocks and pyroclastic flows. Pyroclastic flows may occur within approximately 1 kilometer of the crater.
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Advice to Residents
Residents in the surrounding areas, especially on the downwind side (east side), should be cautious of falling ash and small stones. Ash can spread on roads and in the air, potentially causing respiratory issues and poor visibility.
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Restrictions
At alert level 2, access to the area around the crater is prohibited, and tourists and hikers are advised to stay away.
Impact and Current Situation
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Ashfall
Ashfall has been confirmed in parts of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, with reports of ash spreading on roads and in the air.
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Damage Report
As of now, there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties.
Comparison with Past Activity
Mount Shinmoedake has a history of multiple eruptions, with activity recorded in 1716, 1717, 1771, 1822, 1959, 1991, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2017, and 2018 (Wikipedia). The 2018 eruption was particularly large, with ash and rocks reaching up to 4. workspaces kilometers, but this recent eruption is relatively small, with the plume reaching only 500 meters.
Details of Alert Levels and Safety Measures
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s alert levels are as follows, with the current level 2 indicating “restricted access to the area around the crater”:
|
Alert Level |
Description |
|
5 |
Evacuate |
|
4 |
Prepare to Evacuate |
|
3 |
Restricted Mountain Access |
|
2 |
Restricted Access Around the Crater |
Additionally, the safety precautions are as follows:
|
Safety Precautions |
Description |
|
Residential Areas |
High Alert |
|
Mountain Access |
Dangerous |
|
Around the Crater |
Dangerous |
|
Surrounding Waters |
Alert |
This information is based on the official map from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Additional Information and Future Outlook
Although the situation after the eruption is stable, continued monitoring is necessary. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest information, as there is a possibility of renewed volcanic activity.
- Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano erupts, alert level remains at 2
- Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano erupts, alert level remains at 2
- Ashfall reported after Mount Shinmoedake eruption
- Mt. Shinmoe erupts, alert level maintained
- Shinmoedake volcano historical eruptions
- JMA volcanic activity information in English
