Japan Volcano Erupts, Firing Ash Plume 3 Miles Into Sky

The Japanese meteorological agency said the Shinmoedake volcano had erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning, August 28, sending a plume of ash 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) into the sky.

Officials warned of large cinders falling across a near-2 mile radius from the volcano, which sits in the Kirishima mountain range on Kyushu, a large southern island of Japan.

They urged people to be vigilant in Kobayashi City, Kogen Town, and Kirishima City, issuing eruption warnings across the affected area.

This is a developing article. Updates to follow.