A volcano in southern Japan has repeatedly erupted, spewing large amounts of ash and smoke over nearby towns, grounding flights and causing health concerns. Television footage showed residents scooping up thick ash from streets as the 1 421-metre volcano Shinmoedake shot out soot for a third day on Friday. Nobody has been injured in the eruption, but the Japan Meteorological Agency has restricted access to the mountain.
Dozens of domestic flights in and out of Miyazaki -about 950 kilometers southwest of Tokyo - have been grounded, with more cancellations expected for Saturday. Train service was temporarily suspended in the area. The local government also reported damages to crops.