One of Japan's most active volcanos erupted spectacularly on Friday, causing a "dirty lightning" storm as lava to poured down one of its slopes.
"Dirty thunderstorms" — also known as volcanic lightning — are rare overall, but are a relatively regular sight at Mt. Sakurajima, according to the BBC. They occur when some of the material ejected from the volcano has a positive charge.
Japan's Meteorological Agency said the volcano erupted at around 7 p.m. local time (5 a.m. ET).
Footage shown on local TV showed a bright orange explosion, and a plume of smoke towering up into the sky.
Video of the moment Japan’s Sakurajima volcano erupted today, sparking a dirty thunderstorm
Public broadcaster NHK reported that the meteorological agency had banned entrance to the surrounding area following the eruption, according to AP.
BREAKING: NHK reports volcanic eruption in southern Japan on Kagoshima's Sakurajima around 6:55 p.m. JST.
Mt. Sakurajima is located on a peninsula — formerly an island — on the southern tip of Kyushu island.
There have been no reports of any injuries following the blast.
午後7時2分ごろの桜島の様子です。（気象庁の火山カメラ画像） https://t.co/DwtxN9HkMa
Mt. Sakurajima — pictured here in Sep. 2014 — has erupted multiple times in recent years. Previously, the most recent eruption occurred in Sept. 2015, according to AP.
