01
Key points
- Japan expanded evacuation orders around Sakurajima after a major eruption near Kagoshima.
- The alert now covers about 1,200 residents across five districts.
- Kagoshima Airport suspended departures while crews cleared volcanic ash.
- No deaths have been reported; seven people were treated for breathing difficulties.
02
What changed
The evacuation zone was expanded to five districts after monitoring equipment detected continued volcanic activity and heavier ash fall.
03
Transport disruption
Kagoshima Airport suspended departures and regional rail services reduced operations while emergency crews assessed ash accumulation.
04
What happens next
Officials asked residents to remain indoors where possible and said the alert level would be reviewed after the next aerial survey.
How the story developed
A living timeline
All times shown in UTC
Initial eruption
A large eruption sends ash above Kagoshima Bay and triggers the first local alert.
First evacuations
Three districts nearest the crater receive precautionary evacuation orders.
Evacuation zone expands
Two more districts are added and the airport suspends departures.
Source transparency