The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that Shinmoedake volcano, located within the Kirishima mountain range in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, likely erupted at around 10:15 AM on July 11. Due to poor weather conditions, details such as the height and direction of the volcanic plume remain unclear.
Recent Volcanic Activity at Shinmoedake
Shinmoedake has been increasingly active in recent weeks. The volcano erupted on June 22 for the first time in seven years, marking the start of a period of heightened activity. Continuous eruptions occurred from June 27 to July 7, followed by a brief pause. Activity resumed on July 7 with more continuous eruptions, which were thought to have stopped again on July 10 at 3 PM—until the latest event on July 11.
(Minami Nippon Broadcasting)
Current Alert Level and Safety Warnings
The JMA has maintained the volcanic alert level at Level 3, which translates to “Do not approach the volcano.” Authorities are urging caution due to potential hazards, including:
- Large volcanic rocks within approximately 3 kilometers of the crater.
- Pyroclastic flows within about 2 kilometers of the crater.
Travelers and residents near the Kirishima mountain range should avoid the restricted areas to ensure their safety.
Ash Fall Forecast for Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki
The JMA’s regular ash fall forecast predicts that ash and small volcanic rocks from Shinmoedake could affect parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures. The forecast details the expected direction and distance of ash fall at specific times, assuming an eruption occurs. Here’s a breakdown:
- July 11, 12 PM – 3 PM: Ash up to 90 km northwest, small rocks up to 6 km.
- July 11, 3 PM – 6 PM: Ash up to 100 km northwest, small rocks up to 6 km.
- July 11, 6 PM – 9 PM: Ash up to 110 km northwest, small rocks up to 7 km.
- July 11, 9 PM – 12 AM: Ash up to 130 km northwest, small rocks up to 7 km.
- July 12, 12 AM – 3 AM: Ash up to 120 km northwest, small rocks up to 6 km.
- July 12, 3 AM – 6 AM: Ash up to 110 km northwest, small rocks up to 6 km.
Affected Municipalities
If an eruption occurs during these time frames, ash is expected to fall in the following areas:
- Miyazaki Prefecture: Kobayashi City, Ebino City
- Kagoshima Prefecture: Kirishima City, Yusui Town, Isa City, Akune City, Izumi City, Satsuma Town, Nagashima Town, Satsumasendai City
- Kumamoto Prefecture: Hitoyoshi City, Minamata City, Amakusa City, Ashikita Town, Tsunagi Town, Kuma Village, Reihoku Town
