A volcano in southwestern Japan erupted early on Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Mt. Shinmoe, one of the 50 active volcanos constantly under watch of the agency, erupted around 5:34 a.m. local time and the plume rose some 300 meters above the crater, said the agency.

It was the first time since 2011 that the volcano had a major eruption.

The volcano, located at the borders of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, had been showing signs of intensified activities since late September.

Volcanic earthquakes were detected over 100 times a day and ashes have been found falling in some areas of Miyazaki prefecture.

The agency raised alert level of the volcano last Thursday from one to two on a scale of five, which means that people are warned not to go near the crater of the volcano.

No injuries or damage have been reported so far.

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