Volcano spreads ash over cities and towns in Japan

A volcano in southwestern Japan has erupted for the first time in six years, spreading ash over nearby cities and towns.

Japanese broadcaster TBS showed elementary school students wearing helmets and masks on the way to their school at the foot of the Shinmoedake volcano yesterday.

Residents also described hearing rumbles from the volcano, which started erupting on Wednesday, and ash fell in at least four cities and towns in Miyazaki prefecture.