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TOKYO -- A volcano on a small island off eastern Japan had a minor eruption, and residents were warned of volcanic gases and possible mudslides.
The eruption triggered a minor temblor and released a small amount of ash, the Meteorological Agency said. But there was no immediate threat of a larger eruption, the agency said.
The eruption Friday was the volcano's first since May. White smoke billowed from the crater Sunday, but there was no other major activity, the agency said.
The volcano dominates Miyake Island, about 110 miles east of Tokyo. An eruption in July 2000 forced all 4,000 islanders to evacuate the island. More than half of them returned a year ago after the evacuation order was lifted.
The volcano continues to belch smoke and poisonous gas that officials say pose a potentially serious risk to residents.
Japan, which has 108 active volcanos, is among the most seismically active countries in the world.
The eruption triggered a minor temblor and released a small amount of ash, the Meteorological Agency said. But there was no immediate threat of a larger eruption, the agency said.
The eruption Friday was the volcano's first since May. White smoke billowed from the crater Sunday, but there was no other major activity, the agency said.
The volcano dominates Miyake Island, about 110 miles east of Tokyo. An eruption in July 2000 forced all 4,000 islanders to evacuate the island. More than half of them returned a year ago after the evacuation order was lifted.
The volcano continues to belch smoke and poisonous gas that officials say pose a potentially serious risk to residents.
Japan, which has 108 active volcanos, is among the most seismically active countries in the world.
that's so dangerous!