Alert issued after Japanese volcano erupts

A volcano erupted near Tokyo early today, spewing a plume of smoke more than a mile high and raining ash down on parts of the…

A volcano erupted near Tokyo early today, spewing a plume of smoke more than a mile high and raining ash down on parts of the city. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Mount Asama, about 90 miles northwest of Tokyo, erupted at 1:51am local time today, according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency.

Chunks of rock from the explosion were found about 3,300 feet away from the volcano.

The agency said volcanic ash fell on nearby areas as well as parts of Tokyo. TV reports showed neighbourhoods sprinkled with white flakes.

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An alert level of three, which urges nearby residents to take caution, was kept in place for a 2.5 mile radius. Alert level four advises residents to prepare for evacuation, while level five, the highest, orders evacuation, according to the agency.

The last major eruption of Mount Asama took place in September 2004, the agency said. in 1783 there was a huge eruption at Mount Asama caused widespread damage and killed around 1,500 people.

With 108 active volcanoes, Japan is among the most seismically busy countries in the world.

Agencies