07 Mar 2018 | 04:06 PM UTC
Japan: Shinmoedake volcano erupts March 6, flights canceled
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) cancels 65 incoming and outgoing flights on March 6 as Shinmoedake volcano erupts
Event
Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano, located on Kyushu island, emitted smoke and ash thousands of meters into the sky on Tuesday, March 6. Some 65 flights to and from Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) were canceled. Local media reported this eruption was the strongest in seven years.
Context
Shinmoedake has been erupting since March 1, albeit on a smaller scale, when entrance to its peak was restricted.
Japan has 110 active volcanoes and constantly monitors 47 of them. In September 2014, 63 people were killed on Mount Ontake, the worst volcanic toll in Japan for nearly 90 years.
Advice
Travelers flying to, from, or through KOJ are advised to confirm their reservations and contact their airline for additional information. Individuals present in Japan are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).
