Volcanic eruption in Japan spreads ash in 4 cities, towns
TOKYO — A volcano in southwestern Japan is erupting for the first time in six years, spewing ash over nearby farms, cities and towns.
Japanese broadcaster TBS showed elementary school students wearing helmets and masks Thursday on the way to their school at the foot of the Shinmoedake volcano. Residents also described hearing rumbles from the volcano and ash fell in at least four cities and towns in Miyazaki prefecture.
Street cleaners swept ash from city streets, and farmers used leaf blowers to clear the growing piles of ash from the tops of their plastic greenhouses.
The volcano on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures started erupting Wednesday for the first time in six years.