Tokyo, Oct 11 (IANS): A volcano in Japan erupted early on Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No one was injured.
Mt. Shinmoe, one of the 50 active volcanos constantly under watch of the agency, erupted around 5.34 a.m. (local time) and the plume rose some 300 meters above the crater, said the agency, Xinhua reported.
It was the first time since 2011 that the volcano had a major eruption.
The volcano, located at the borders of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, had been showing signs of intensified activities since late September.
Volcanic earthquakes were detected over 100 times a day and ashes have been found falling in some areas of Miyazaki prefecture.
The agency raised alert level of the volcano last Thursday from one to two on a scale of five, which means that people are warned not to go near the crater of the volcano.
No injury or damage has been reported so far.