explosion yet, sending a huge plume of gas, rocks and ash into the sky
and breaking windows 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
Officials widened the danger zone to keep residents away. The eruption
early Tuesday was the biggest since the Shinmoedake volcano burst to
life last week.
Wide areas were covered with ash and boulders landed on roads miles
(kilometers) away. The blast also knocked down trees and broke
hundreds of windows in local hotels and offices.
The volcano is in the remote Kirishima range on the southern island of
Kyushu. Public broadcaster NHK said a woman suffered cuts from
shattered glass in Tuesday's blast. No serious injuries have been
reported.
