JMA reported that shallow volcanic earthquakes at Kuchinoerabujima had been frequent since the beginning of April, with most epicenters located near Furudake Crater, and some near Shindake Crater (just N of Furudake). Both the number and magnitude of the volcanic earthquakes increased and remained elevated. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-5) at 1200 on 13 April due to the increased seismicity. Visual observations during 10-12 April field visits indicated no changes to the craters nor to the geothermal area near the fissure on the W side of the Shindake. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were at low levels. The public was warned that ejected blocks and pyroclastic flows may impact areas within 1 km of both craters and within 2 km of Shindake.

Geological Summary. A group of young stratovolcanoes forms the eastern end of the irregularly shaped island of Kuchinoerabujima in the northern Ryukyu Islands, 15 km W of Yakushima. The Furudake, Shindake, and Noikeyama cones were erupted from south to north, respectively, forming a composite cone with multiple craters. All historical eruptions have occurred from Shindake, although a lava flow from the S flank of Furudake that reached the coast has a very fresh morphology. Frequent explosive eruptions have taken place from Shindake since 1840; the largest of these was in December 1933. Several villages on the 4 x 12 km island are located within a few kilometers of the active crater and have suffered damage from eruptions.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)