Sakurajima volcano erupts in southern Japan, ash plume reaches 4400m

The Sakurajima volcano is one of Japan's most active. Photo / 123rf

A volcano in southern Japan has erupted, sending a plume of ash and smoke into the sky and prompting a warning over ashfall.

Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, sent ash and smoke up to 4400 metres into the sky, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

No damage has been reported, an official in Kagoshima prefecture, where the volcano is, told AFP.

But the weather agency forecast ashfall in part of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, as the eruption continued several times.

“In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please take measures to protect yourself from ash, such as using umbrellas or masks, and make sure to drive slowly,” the agency said.

The agency has kept its alert level unchanged at three on a scale of five, which restricts access to the mountain.

- Agence France-Presse