Volcanic smoke rises from the Shinmoedake volcano after its eruption in the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, southwestern Japan, on Thursday. (Tomoaki Ito/Kyodo News via AP)TOKYO: A volcano in southwestern Japan is erupting for the first time in six years and spread ash in nearby cities and towns. Japanese broadcaster TBS showed elementary school students wearing helmets and masks Thursday on the way to their school at the foot of the Shinmoedake volcano. Residents also described hearing rumbles from the volcano and ash fell in at least four cities and towns in Miyazaki prefecture. The volcano on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures started erupting Wednesday for the first time in 6 years.

Source: Bangkok Post October 12, 2017 07:18 UTC