Japan: Mount Aso volcano erupts at Kyushu Island

Mount Aso volcano in Japan, erupted on October 20, 2021 and emitted a giant column of ash to about thousands of metres into the sky.

Highlights

• No injuries were reported immediately and People were warned not to go towards volcano as it ejected hot gas and ash.
• The volcano ejected gas and ash up to the height of 3,500 metres.
• Pale grey torrents of ash rushed down the slopes of the 1,592-metre mountain.

Background

Mount Aso last erupted in the year 2016. The Japan Meteorological Agency had then raised its warning for Mount Aso to the level that was reported on October 20.

About Mount Aso

Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan and one among the largest across the world. The volcano stands on the island of Kyushu, in Aso Kuju National Park in Kumamoto Prefecture. Its peak is 1,592 meters above sea level. It has a fairly large caldera, having a circumference of about 120 km. The caldera dominates the island Kyushu, where it is a popular tourist draw.

Volcano in Japan

Japan is among the world’s most volcanically active countries. It is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a large proportion earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded. Japan suffered its deadliest eruption in the month of September 2014, when Mount Ontake burst unexpectedly. It killed 63 people

Kyushu Island

It is the third largest island out of five main islands. It is mountainous and house to Japan’s active volcano called Mount Aso.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021