A volcano in southern Japan erupted today, sending molten rock and smoke high into the sky and lava pouring down a mountainside on the island of Kyushu.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said Sakurajima Volcano erupted at 7 pm local time and has imposed a no-go area around the volcano’s crate. There were no immediate reports of injuries. This video, posted to the Facebook account of Japanese broadcaster NHK, shows the volcano’s spectacular eruption.

 

The lightning like flashes coming from the eruption are incredible. While it looks dramatic on video, the blast was average compared to past eruptions, the most recent of which came in September of last year. 

Via NHK News