Post date: Jan 27, 2011 12:4:34 PM
Mt. Kirishima sprays hot ash and rocks high into the air, raising alert levels.
JAPAN-VOLCANO - Authorities in Japan have raised alert levels as a volcano in the southern part of the country erupts for a second day.
Mount Kirishima is spewing hot ash and rocks as high as 2-thousand meters into the air, forcing the evacuation of about nine families so far.
Children attending school in the region wore protective face masks as they walked to school.
One man was nearly hit by falling rocks as he took cover in his car.UNIDENTIFIED MAN'S VOICE OVER PICTURES OF BROKEN CAR REAR WINDOW SAYING:
"It came like a sudden downpour of rain. It collapsed the window of my car just as I opened the door to take refuge."
At least four domestic flights have been canceled and many railway lines and highways have been closed due to the thick ash.
Japanese volcanologists say more activity is expected in the next few days.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Julie Noce, Reuters