Sakurajima volcano on Kyushu, Japan, erupted multiple times early Sunday morning, sending ash over 2.7 miles (4,400 meters) into the air and forcing dozens of flight cancellations as authorities monitored ongoing activity.

The explosive eruption took place around 1 am (local time) on Sunday at the Minamidake crater. There were two more eruptions at about 2:30 am and 8:50 am.

An ashfall forecast was issued for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures as the eruption continued following the initial event.

"In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please take measures to protect yourself from ash, such as using umbrellas or masks, and make sure to drive slowly," the agency said.

The agency has kept its alert level unchanged at three on a scale of five, which r

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