Volcanic ash billows from Mt Shinmoedake in the Kirishimna range on Japan's southernmost main island of Kyushu. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Hirokazu Taniyama, an official in Miyazaki, said today that 612 people stayed in elementary schools for the night after volcanic activity increased yesterday. He said most of them were returning home.
The explosive eruption at the 1421m Shinmoedake volcano on Thursday was its first major eruption in 52 years. Releases of ash and smoke have continued since then.
Taniyama said nobody has been injured in the eruptions. The Government has restricted access to the mountain.
