Shinmoedake: Japan Volcano Eruption Forces Evacuations (Video)

by Jordan Yerman | January 31, 2011 at 10:25 am

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Shinmoedake Volcano Erupts: Over 1100 Forced to Evacuate

Shinmoedake, a volcano in Japan's Kirishima mountain range, has erupted, spewing lava, smoke and ash into the air. Over 1100 residents from nearby areas were ordered to evacuate their homes and businesses due to the risk of landslides and falling ash. Plenty of eyewitness video is appearing, some of which you can see below.

This is Shinmoedake's first major eruption in 52 years, and began on January 26.

Shinmoedake eruption: BBC photos

The mountain in the Kirishima range in southwestern Japan has been belching smoke and ash into the air since late Wednesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The agency has widened the area that it fears could be hit by a torrent of high-temperature gas and ash from two kilometres to three kilometres from the peak.