Japan has urgently raised the volcanic alert level for Mt. Shinmoedake to Level 3, warning people to stay away. The volcano, located in Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island, has shown signs of increased activity, including frequent earthquakes and swelling of the mountain. Authorities fear an eruption could happen soon.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) detected a sharp rise in volcanic earthquakes starting March 28. The last time the alert reached Level 3 was in 2018, when the volcano erupted. Now, experts warn that rocks and ash could shoot up to 2.5 miles (4 km) from the crater if an eruption occurs.
The government has banned all entry to the mountain. Officials are telling tourists and locals to avoid the area. “An eruption may happen. Follow local instructions and stay away from danger,” warned Japan’s disaster management agency on social media.
Right now, no evacuation orders are in place. But if earthquakes keep increasing, officials may force people to leave quickly. Tomoyuki Kanno from the JMA said, “If the volcano erupts, ash and small rocks could spread beyond the danger zone. Everyone must be careful.”
Japan has many active volcanoes, so the JMA plans to introduce a new ash warning system. Volcanic ash can cause serious problems, like flight cancellations, road closures, and health risks. Just 1 foot (30 cm) of ash can collapse roofs. The new system will issue alerts for different ash levels, from minor advisories to emergency warnings for heavy ashfall. However, it won’t be ready for a few more years.
If you’re planning a trip to Kagoshima or nearby areas, check official updates before traveling. Avoid Mt. Shinmoedake and follow local guidance. Volcanic eruptions can happen suddenly, so safety comes first. Japan’s experts are closely watching the situation as the risk of eruption grows.
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