ANKARA 

Japan's Shinmoedake volcano erupted Sunday, sending thick ash plumes into the air more than 3 km (almost 2 miles) above the crater, according to media reports.

The eruption occurred at around 5.23 am local time (2023GMT), with ash drifting northeast that could reach as far as Takanabe in the Miyazaki prefecture, the local English daily The Japan News reported.

The volcano in the Kirishima mountain range has been erupting intermittently since June 27.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that small volcanic rocks may fall within about 14 km (8.7 mi) northeast of the crater.

It advised residents to stay alert for large volcanic rocks within 3 km (1.8 mi) of the crater and pyroclastic flows within 2 km (1.2 mi).

* Writing by Aamir Latif