The recent spike in explosive eruptions at Sakurajima, a volcano in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture, has raised growing concerns among local residents.
According to NHK, major eruptions began on May 15 from the summit crater of Sakurajima’s Minami-dake (Southern Peak), with ash plumes reaching heights of up to 2,600 meters.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning about magma continuing to build beneath the volcano, causing the mountain to expand. Experts predict more eruptions with heavy ash clouds and caution that volcanic debris could be carried over long distances by the wind, urging residents to stay alert.
Eruption Frequency Soars, Magma Movement Heightens Concerns
So far this year, Sakurajima has already recorded 131 eruptions—nearly three times last year’s total of 46—indicating a sharp increase in activity. Coupled with the ongoing movement of magma detected since May 12, scientists are closely monitoring the situation.
Residents are facing daily disruptions and growing anxiety.
A woman in her 50s, who lives near the volcano, described the challenges she’s facing. “I couldn’t see while driving because of the volcanic ash,” she said. “I’ve been receiving concerned calls from friends, and my husband and I are making emergency plans.”
Professor Haruhisa Nakamichi, an expert at Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute, warned that the situation is unlikely to calm down anytime soon. “We’re likely in for a prolonged period of activity,” he said, adding that the volcanic threat remains high.
In February, Japan’s Volcano Investigation Committee reported that there were no signs of an imminent large-scale eruption at Sakurajima or the seven other volcanoes it was monitoring. However, the recent surge in activity has prompted experts to intensify their monitoring efforts, as the situation continues to evolve.
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