Smoke rises after an eruption of Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima, southwestern Japan, in this photo taken through a window by Kyodo August 18, 2013. The eruption on Sunday of the 1,117-metre (3665-feet) high volcano, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, se
Smoke rises after an eruption of Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima, southwestern Japan, in this photo taken through a window by Kyodo August 18, 2013. The eruption on Sunday of the 1,117-metre (3665-feet) high volcano, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, sent up the highest plume in recorded history of about 5,000 metres (16,404 feet). (Photo: REUTERS/Kyodo)

Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima, southwest Japan, erupted on Sunday, sending a plume of ash and smoke to a record height of 5,000m (16,404ft), Japan's Volcano Observations and Information Center (VOIC) announced in a statement.

At 1,117m (3,665ft) high, Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and shows constant eruptive displays. It is closely monitored by the Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory, in conjunction with the VOIC in Fukuoka Prefecture. The seismograph recorded the major eruption of Sakurajima in 1914.

According to the Local Meteorological Observatory, the recent volcanic activity of Sakurajima has been continuing and the authority has warned residents of pyroclastic flow (fast-moving hot gas and rock) from the volcano's Showa crater within a range of two kilometres.

"As a result of this eruption, a small pyroclastic flow is generated, and was flowing down to about 1km southeast of Showa crater," the Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory said.

Officials have also alerted local populations about the fall of volcanic ash and gravel in the lower areas and possible accumulation of muddy debris due to rainfall. In addition, a risk of breaking of glass windows of cars and houses is also cited as a result of vibrations in atmosphere from the explosive eruption.

Meanwhile, ashfall is confirmed in cities of Kagoshima and Matsumoto and over a wide area of Sakurajima Island.

Check out a video showing the Sakurajima eruption in Japan as some of the photos capture the ash fall in the region.

Status of Sakurajima eruption at Showa crater as seen from Higashikorimoto, Japan on 18 August, 2013. Height of the ash plume in this photo is estimated to be 3,500 m. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Status of Sakurajima eruption at Showa crater as seen from Higashikorimoto, Japan on 18 August, 2013. Height of the ash plume in this photo is estimated to be 3,500 m. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory) Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory
Ash plume from Sakurajima volcanic eruption flowing northwest towards Kagoshima city. Plume of a large amount reached 5,000 m on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Ash plume from Sakurajima volcanic eruption flowing northwest towards Kagoshima city. Plume of a large amount reached 5,000 m on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Situation of cinder scattering and generation of pyroclastic flow from eruption of Sakurajima on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Situation of cinder scattering and generation of pyroclastic flow from eruption of Sakurajima on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Volcanic ash fall happens at Kagoshima Chuo Station following eruption of Sakurajima volcano in Japan on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Volcanic ash fall happens at Kagoshima Chuo Station following eruption of Sakurajima volcano in Japan on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Situation of ash fall in Sakurajima Island following eruption of Sakurajima volcano in Japan on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
Situation of ash fall in Sakurajima Island following eruption of Sakurajima volcano in Japan on 18 August, 2013. (Photo: Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory)
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