JAPAN – Volcanic debris and ash have covered Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu as the country’s largest active volcano, Mount Aso, erupted and covered the surrounding cities in a layer of soot.

Forbes reported that Mount Aso resides in the Kumamoto Prefecture, and stands at around 5,200 feet tall. Upon erupting, the volcano launched clouds of smoke and ash an astonishing height of almost 7 miles high into the air. A video can be seen below.

“It is extremely rare for an eruption column to exceed 10,000 meters,” stated Makoto Saito, the Director of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Volcanology Division, according to Forbes. Mount Aso's explosion reached heights of nearly 11,000 meters.

While covering the region in a heavy layer of soot, no injuries have been reported since the eruption. Japan’s Meteorological Agency raised the threat level to three, on a scale of five, near Mount Aso and recommended that residents do not approach the volcano. 

Ash has fallen as far as 16 miles northeast of the volcano due to wind. The last time Mount Aso erupted, reported CNN World, was in September of last year. There has been no word as of yet how this eruption has affected transportation.

Saito further stated that while the volcano is still in its active phase, there is a possibility that another eruption of the same scale could occur. Images from the surrounding area show volcanic ash covering streets, roofs, and vehicles. 

Watch the video above for another glimpse of the eruption yourself, and count on AndNowUKnow for the latest in volcano activity and its subsequent impact on the industry.