Watch a Japanese Volcano’s Spectacular Eruption

On January 26th, Shinmoedake, one of the 20 volcanoes inside southern Japan’s Mount Kirishima, exploded spectacularly in what is believed to be the peak’s largest eruption since 1959. According to ABC, ash and smoke from the eruption billowed more than 5,000 feet high, causing the government to issue a Level 3 volcano warning and nearby airports to cancel domestic flights. The impressive HD videos above and below were captured by YouTube user hitosi49.

(via Pink Tentacle)