Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Highest Eruption Since 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqxnJQcQXss

Sakurajima (Cherry Blossom Island) has had its volcano of the same name erupt this past week.

Japan Times reported it first erupted on November 8th, sending smoke debris 5.5 km (3.4 miles) into the air. This marks it the largest ash cloud the volcano has made since July 2016 (surpassing 5 km).


Since then the volcano has erupted numerous times. Volcano Discovery notes that “13 explosions and 25 non-explosive eruptive events detected by the seismic network” between November 5th to 11th, though the above video was allegedly taken on the 12th.

While this all sounds rather dramatic, the Kagoshima Prefectural Government has reported no damage so far. In fact the area is a tourist spot of Kirishima-Yaku National Park, where people can see the magma flow, along with hot springs and the origin of the basket ball-sized Sakurajima radishes.

Even Japanese singer Tsuoshi Nagabuchi held an all night concert in a quarry in 2004- as one his songs was named afrer the volcano. A statue of Nagabuchi screaming with his guitar was erected at the site.

As Japan’s “most active volcano”, it’s earliest recorded eruption was in 1914. Other eruptions have occurred since 1955, as the volcano is technically “always erupting”, but going off in dramatic fashion every few years or so. Notable recent dates include 2009, 2012, 2013 (marking it’s 500th eruption), and several times in 2016 (1, 2, 3).

,

About

Ryan was a former Niche Gamer contributor.


Where'd our comments go? Subscribe to become a member to get commenting access and true free speech!