Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupts - in pictures

Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupted on July 24. Reuters
Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupted on July 24. Reuters
The volcano is on the island of Kyushu, about 965km from Tokyo. Reuters
The volcano is on the island of Kyushu, about 965km from Tokyo. Reuters
The chief of the unit monitoring volcanoes at the Japan Meteorological Agency explains the eruption during a press conference in Tokyo. AFP
The chief of the unit monitoring volcanoes at the Japan Meteorological Agency explains the eruption during a press conference in Tokyo. AFP
Sakurajima is one of the country's most active volcanoes. EPA
Sakurajima is one of the country's most active volcanoes. EPA
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced a Level 5 alert, the highest, and called on residents to leave the area. EPA
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced a Level 5 alert, the highest, and called on residents to leave the area. EPA
Volcanic ash covers a vehicle in Kagoshima, a city near Sakurajima. AP
Volcanic ash covers a vehicle in Kagoshima, a city near Sakurajima. AP
Evacuees disembark from a ferry at a port in Kagoshima City after the eruption. AFP
Evacuees disembark from a ferry at a port in Kagoshima City after the eruption. AFP