The Japan Meteorological Agency immediately called for local evacuations.

Last night, the Sakurajima volcano, located in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture on the country’s most southern island of Kyushu, experienced an eruption. Surveillance footage gathered by the Japan Meteorological Agency saw the volcano spewing ash and smoke at an accelerated rate, prompting an immediate level 5 alert. A level 5 is the highest alert the JMA can issue, which prompts immediate evacuations from the surrounding areas.

Evacuations have run smoothly, with several dozen locals leaving their homes and moving to designated safe zones. No injuries or property damage has been reported at the time of writing, though travelers are being advised to avoid Kagoshima until the volcano calms down.

“We will put the people’s lives first and do our utmost to assess the situation and respond to any emergency,” Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told reporters, adding that all local residents should pay close attention to emergency alert systems for any new updates. Warnings have been issued for falling volcanic rocks, pyroclastic flow, and mudslides.

Some concerns were raised about the state of their nearby Sendai nuclear power plant, but no damage or irregularities have been discovered following the eruption.

Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanos in Japan and the world, with its most recent eruption being in January.