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See Volcanic Lightning During an Eruption in Japan

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Volcanic lightning is seen at an eruption of Mount Sakurajima from Tarumizu city in southwestern Japan on Feb. 5, 2016. A Japanese volcano about 30 miles from a nuclear plant erupted on Friday, Japan's Meteorological Agency said, sending fountains of lava into the night sky.
Volcanic lightning is seen at an eruption of Mount Sakurajima from Tarumizu city in southwestern Japan on Feb. 5, 2016. A Japanese volcano about 30 miles from a nuclear plant erupted on Friday, Japan's Meteorological Agency said, sending fountains of lava into the night sky.Kyodo/Reuters
By TIME Photo

A volcano erupted Friday in southwest Japan, sending bursts of lava flowing out of the side.

Mount Sakurajima unleashed grey smoke and streaking flashes of lightning. There were no immediate reports of injuries, according to the Guardian, but officials did ban entry to the site.

The eruption was minor compared to previous fits by Mount Sakurajima. The volcano overlooks the city of Kagoshima. Sakurajima was formerly an island until lava flows from a 1914 eruption connected it with the Osumi Peninsula.

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