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Photos: Mount Aso Erupts in Japan

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Mount Aso
An aerial view shows volcanic ash around the eruptive crater of Mount Aso in southwestern Japan September 14. Mount Aso, a volcano on Japan's main southern island of Kyushu, erupted on Monday, Japan's Meteorological Agency said, blasting a plume of black smoke 2 km (1.2 miles) high, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Kyodo/Reuters
World

The volcanic Mount Aso began erupting on Monday morning just before 10 local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Aso is on Japan's third largest island, and its southernmost, Kyushu.

Mount Aso 2
Smoke spews from the eruptive crater of Mount Aso as police officers and firefighters conduct an evacuation operation in Aso, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo September 14. Kyodo/Reuters

No injuries or deaths have been reported related to the eruption. A handful of flights have been canceled, as the ash limits visibility.

Mount Aso 4
A video grab from the Japan Meteorological Agency's live camera image shows the eruption. Japan Meteorological Agency/Reuters

The ash cloud rose 6,560 feet above Mount Aso. AccuWeather Meterologist Adam Douty expects the ash to fall southwest of the volcano. Local officials suggest carrying an umbrella, hat and mask to keep safe from falling ash.

Mount Aso 3
An aerial view shows the eruption. Kyodo/Reuters

Because of the eruption, a variety of entrances onto the mountain have been closed. Mount Aso is a popular hiking destination (when its not erupting). "Entry within two kilometers of the crater has been prohibited due to possible volcanic activity," Kyushu's tourism promotion organization said in a statement. "The vast majority of Aso's sights remain open and are experiencing no issues due to eruption."

Mount Aso 5
A video grab from the Japan Meteorological Agency's live camera image shows Mount Aso on September 14. Japan Meteorological Agency/Reuters

【阿蘇山　噴火時の映像】
きょう午前9時47分ごろ、熊本県の阿蘇山で噴火が発生したときの様子です。噴煙の高さが２０００メートルまで上がって火口周辺で大きな噴石が飛んだのが確認されました。 pic.twitter.com/ppboPRT28V

— ＮＨＫ生活・防災 (@nhk_seikatsu) September 14, 2015

In 2014, Japan experienced a deadly volcanic eruption of Mount Ontake, on the main island. The eruption killed 63 people.

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