Volcano in Southern Japan Erupts With Massive Smoke Column

Smokes rise from the No. 1 Nakadake crater of Mr. Aso after its eruption, observed from Kusasenri, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 20, 2021. Japan Meteorological Agency via AP

TOKYO—A volcano in southern Japan erupted Wednesday with a massive column of gray smoke billowing into the sky.

The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the warning level for Mount Aso to three on a scale of five, warning hikers and residents to avoid the mountain.