Based on reports from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 18 February an explosion from Shinmoe-dake (Shinmoe peak), a stratovolcano of the Kirishima volcano group, produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. A pilot reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. The next day, satellite imagery showed that the ash had dissipated.

According to a news article on 17 February, officials recommended that more than 2,500 residents should evacuate their homes due to potential lahar activity from heavy rain. An official noted that 63 people in Miyakonojo (30 km SE) had already moved to evacuation shelters.

Geological Summary. Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km. The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located Karakunidake being the highest. Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8th century.

Sources: Stuff, Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)