Ashfall blankets Kagoshima City after eruption at Sakurajima volcano, Japan
Three eruptions were recorded at Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, on May 15, 2025, with ash plumes reaching heights over 4 200 m (13 800 feet) above sea level. Ashfall was reported in Kagoshima City, reducing visibility on city roads.
Ashfall affects Kagoshima after eruption at Sakurajima volcano, Japan on May 15, 2025. Credit: Weather Monitor
The first eruption took place at 01:14 UTC (10:14 JST) on May 15, sending an ash plume over 2 400 m (8 000 feet) above sea level that drifted southeast. The second eruption occurred at 02:35 UTC (11:35 JST), producing an ash plume that rose over 4 200 m (14 000 feet) above sea level and drifted southeast.
This was followed by a third eruption at 12:38 UTC (21:38 JST), generating an ash plume that rose over 3 600 m (12 000 feet) above sea level and moved eastward.
Ashfall was confirmed in Kagoshima City, with videos showing reduced visibility on roads due to suspended ash. Light ashfall may also reach Miyazaki Prefecture depending on wind conditions.
JUST BEFORE NOON TODAY: Sakurajima Eruption Sends Ash Over Kagoshima, Japan
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) May 15, 2025
An eruption occurred at Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Smoke rose up to 3,000 meters above the crater rim.
Heavy ash in Kagoshima; light ash may reach Miyazaki. pic.twitter.com/Xz7Au0DCIC
Today: This isn't a dust storm—it's ash from the Sakurajima eruption in Kagoshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/pIXIi6HbGl
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) May 15, 2025
The Alert Level for Sakurajima remains at Level 3 on Japan’s five-tier scale, restricting access within a 1 km (0.62 miles) radius of the summit due to ongoing explosive activity.
Sakurajima, a stratovolcano within the Aira Caldera, is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. The Aira Caldera, located in the northern part of Kagoshima Bay, formed approximately 22 000 years ago following a massive eruption that produced the Ito pyroclastic flow.
Wow, this lasted for a few hours….
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) May 15, 2025
Sakurajima in Kagoshima City, Japan erupted this morning, sending ash 3,000 meters into the air from the Minami-dake crater.
A Level 3 alert is in place, warning of possible volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows within 2 km of the Minami-dake… pic.twitter.com/Bw6k9JXu2B
Sakurajima began forming around 13 000 years ago and was initially an island until a major eruption in 1914 connected it to the Osumi Peninsula.
The volcano has maintained frequent eruptive activity since the 8th century, with historical eruptions depositing ash in the city of Kagoshima, located just 8 km (5 miles) across the bay. The largest known eruption occurred between 1471 and 1476, reaching an estimated Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.
Sakurajima has been erupting consistently since March 2017, with explosive activity recorded at the Minamidake Summit.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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