No-go warning as Japan volcano erupts for first time in 250 years

TOKYO: A volcano in southern Japan erupted for the first time in 250 years on Thursday, spewing steam and ash hundreds of metres into the air, as authorities warned locals not to approach the mountain. “There is a possibility that (Mount Io) will become more active,” said Makoto Saito, an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), confirming the eruption. In a televised press conference, he warned residents in the area to stay away from the mountain, part of the Mount Kirishima group of volcanoes, as major ash deposits spread from the crater. It was the first eruption of the mountain since 1768, the JMA said. The agency warned that large flying rocks could fall over a three-kilometre (two-mile) radius. The eruption threw smoke and ash 400 metres (1,300 feet) into the air. Footage captured by the JMA and local media showed thick white and grey smoke rising from several areas of the mountain.—AFP