TOKYO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- A volcano on Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, erupted Monday, with plumes rising to 3,400 meters above the summit crater, the country's weather agency said.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the eruption occurred at the Minamidake crater at 7:29 a.m. local time (2229 GMT on Sunday). There were no immediate reports of injuries and damage to buildings.

Following the explosive event, volcanic smoke drifted southeast and weather officials warned related areas to be on alert for falling volcanic ashes.

The JMA maintained the volcanic activity alert level at three on its five-point scale, meaning that people should not approach the crater.

Sakurajima, located in Kagoshima Bay in southern Kyushu, the country's southwestern main island, is an active composite volcano with three peaks, consisting of Kitadake, Nakadake and Minamidake. Enditem

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