Sakurajima Volcano eruption
© Youtube/dutchsince (screen capture)
Just before Pavlof volcano in Alaska began erupting, a very large blast occurred at Sakurajima Volcano in South Japan, followed by several other blasts overnight.

Tourists were fairly close to the volcano when it sent off the first blast, also captured on JMA webcams (links below). Luckily for the tourists, the blasts pyroclastic flow (and ash fallout) blew in the opposite direction.

If the wind was blowing towards the tourists, this may have been an entirely different story involving injuries. It might not be too wise to be in close proximity to this active volcano.


First the HD view from the tourists who were nearby the volcano when it erupted, followed by the JMA webcams showing the South flanks of Sakurajima.

JMA live stream of Sakurajima:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ushine-2