Japan volcano eruption heard four miles away

Caught on camera: huge explosion at Shinmoedake peak on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu.

8:44AM GMT 01 Feb 2011
Shinmoedake peak erupted again this morning sending shockwaves that shattered windows in homes and buildings in southern Japan and leaving one person injured.

Debris from the volcano shot at least 6500 feet up into the air and the explosion could be heard over four miles away, according to local news reports.

Hot rocks from the volcano triggered small forest fires but these were soon extinguished by local officials.

The volcano has been spewing hot ash and rocks across several cities and towns of the southern Japanese island of Kyushu since January 27.

It is the first major activity at Shinmoedake in 52 years and vulcanologists have warned of more large explosive eruptions and even the possibility of lava flow down the mountain to come.