ISTANBUL

Japan on Thursday allowed citizens to evacuate the southwest islands amid recurring tremors.

Mayor Kubo Genichiro of Toshima village in southwestern Kagoshima province said on Thursday that villagers who want to evacuate can leave the island on Friday, according to the broadcaster NHK.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Tokara, a group of small islands in the province, after over 1,000 quakes were felt in the area in nearly the past two weeks, Kyodo News reported.

Since June 21, the area has experienced over 1,000 earthquakes, the lowest of which was 1 magnitude.

Earthquakes measuring a lower 5 magnitude were also recorded on Monday and Wednesday.

The Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory has cautioned people to stay vigilant due to continuous seismic activity in the area.

Meanwhile, the Shinmoedake volcano in Kagoshima prefecture erupted on Thursday, reported All-Nippon News Network.

The smoke from the crater rose 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Kirishima and Kobayashi cities are expected to witness a significant amount.

Last month, the volcano erupted for the first time in seven years.

Separately, Indonesia on Thursday raised the alert level for the southern Ile Lewotolok volcano to 3 from 2. The highest level is still 4, according to the state news agency Antara.

Ili Lewotolok has experienced a significant increase in activity since June 27.