Volcano in southwestern Japan erupts for 1st time since 2011

TOKYO, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- A volcano in southwestern Japan erupted early Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Mt. Shinmoe, one of the 50 active volcanos constantly under watch of the agency, erupted at 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.