Ash cloud enveloped vast areas after Japan's active Sakurajima volcano in the south-western city of Kagoshima erupted repeatedly from Sunday to Monday.
A local weather observatory reported four eruptions in the 24 hours ending 9 a.m. on Monday, bringing the largest ash cloud in six years to neighboring areas. It recorded 733 grams of ash deposits per square meter during the period, the biggest volume of volcanic ash since Sakurajima's Showa Crater resumed eruptive activity in 2006.
Carried by wind, ash from the latest eruptions has fallen across wide areas of Kagoshima city, where it continues to swirl through the air. Some people were using umbrellas to try and shield themselves from the vision-blurring ash, Japan's public broadcaster reported.
Weathermen warn of possible impact on transportation systems and agricultural products. Train services at Kagoshima and Nippo Lines were temporarily suspended due to the ash cloud.
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