Japan volcano update LIVE: Is the Japanese volcano still erupting? Latest news
MOUNT Kusatsu-Shirane volcano has erupted in Japan, killing at least one and injuring many others. But is the volcano still erupting? Express.co.uk will bring you the latest news and live updates as the volcano rumbles.
- One man has been killed, after being hit by falling volcanic rocks
- At least 11 people were injured during the eruption - some critically
- The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has not ruled out further eruptions
- Skiers trapped by avalanche caused by Kusatsu-Shirane eruption
Bringing you the latest news and live updates from the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) and other officials sources (All times in GMT).
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Wednesday January 24
2.32am: 50 Volcanoes under 'constant watch'
There are a total of 50 active volcanoes under constant watch from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane was considered to be the most dangerous of the lot and had been kept under video surveillance prior to its eruption.
8.20pm: Japanese authorities issue volcanic ash alert
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has warned that volcanic ash was not detectable on latest satellite readings, adding: “We will issue further advisories if volcanic ash is detected.”
Kusatsu-Shirane is identifiable as the lowest red volcano on the map below.
Red marks indicate volcanoes where a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) is in place.
JMA
6.55pm: Japan volcano warning raised to level 3
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane’s volcano warning has been set at level 3, meaning people should not climb on the slopes of the volcano, according to the JMA.
Japan has 110 active volcanoes and monitors 47 of them around the clock.
In September 2014, 63 people were killed on Mount Ontake, the worst volcanic disaster in Japan for nearly 90 years.
Japan volcano eruption kills soldier and injures skiers at resort
Tue, January 23, 2018A Japanese soldier was killed on January 23 after a volcano erupted near the popular Japanese ski resort, sparking an avalanche that left several injured and scores stranded up a mountain
Thick black smoke sliding down the snow-covered side of the volcano towards a ski slope after an eruption
6.41pm: ‘There may be another eruption’, expert warns
Volcanologist Toshitsugu Fujii has described the Japanese volcano’s eruption as “explosive” warning that another is possible.
Speaking to national broadcaster NHK, he said: “Seeing cinders falling in the videos, it is certain that an explosive eruption occurred.
“We need to be warned, as there may be another eruption.”
GOOGLE
6pm: Soldier killed after being hit by volcanic rocks
A member of Japan's Ground Self Defence Force (SDF) has died after being struck by volcanic rocks blasted into the air by Kusatsu-Shirane.
The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that seven SDF member were hit by the rocks while engaged in winter training manoeuvres on the volcano.
All were rescued, with one dying later, the MoD added.
GETTY / EPA / GOOGLE
5.26pm: Skier trapped by avalanche
One person was trapped on Kusatsu-Shirane after the volcano triggered a huge avalanche.
The skier was trapped in the snow for some time before being dug out by rescuers, who included SDF members, according to Reuters.
One skier told NHK: “There was this huge boom, and a big plume of totally black smoke rose up.
"I had absolutely no idea what had happened."
Another said: “Other people appeared to be hurt by the stones, which appeared to be around 10 to 20 cm in size.”
About 80 skiers, including some non-Japanese at a hut at the top of the mountain, were later rescued by helicopters on Tuesday afternoon.
