Japanese volcano erupts again

TOKYO – Mount Asama, one of Japan’s largest and most active volcanoes, erupted in central Japan yesterday for the second time in two weeks, sending smoke about 300 metres into the sky and spewing ash over nearby towns, the Meteorological Agency said.

The eruption, which the agency said was “small,” sent grey smoke billowing out of the crater for about 10 minutes before dawn. Mount Asama last erupted on September 1 when a medium-sized eruption sent smoke and ash thousands of metres into the air.The 2 568-metre mountain is about 10 kilometres from the central Japan resort town of Karuizawa, about 150 kilometres west of Tokyo.Mount Asama has had several minor eruptions in recent years.In 1947, 11 mountaineers were killed after being struck by molten rocks on the slope.- Nampa-APMount Asama last erupted on September 1 when a medium-sized eruption sent smoke and ash thousands of metres into the air.The 2 568-metre mountain is about 10 kilometres from the central Japan resort town of Karuizawa, about 150 kilometres west of Tokyo.Mount Asama has had several minor eruptions in recent years.In 1947, 11 mountaineers were killed after being struck by molten rocks on the slope.- Nampa-AP