
TOKYO: Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, erupted around 11:43 a.m. Wednesday (2:43 a.m. GMT), the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
A pyroclastic flow, a fast-moving flow of volcanic material and hot gas, traveled more than 1 kilometer from the vent, according to the agency.
The agency raised its volcanic warning for Mount Aso to Level 3, which bans entry into the mountain, from Level 2, which prohibits approach to the crater.
In response to the eruption, the government set up an information collection office at the crisis management center of the prime minister’s office.
JIJI Press