Mount Aso

Volcano in southern Japan erupts, sending smoke into the air

The eruption Monday prompted authorities to raise the alert level for the area, banning people from approaching within 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) of the volcano's mouth.

There are no homes within that area and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the eruption fired bits of volcanic rock, smoke and steam flying. It was unclear if there was any volcanic flow from the mountain.