31 January 2011 Last updated at 11:38

In pictures: Japan volcano threat

An aerial view shows Shinmoedake peak erupting between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures

Japanese officials are urging more than 1,000 people on the southern island of Kyushu to leave their homes close to a volcano, which is erupting for the first time in more than 50 years.

A dome of lava is seen at a eruptive crater at Shinmoedake peak between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures

The 1,421m (4,662ft) Shinmoedake volcano has been erupting since Wednesday, spewing molten debris into the air and covering surrounding areas in a thick blanket of ash.

Residents take a rest at a gymnasium acting as evacuation centre in Takaharu town, Miyazaki prefecture

About 600 residents of Takaharu town, which is located at the foot of the volcano, are taking refuge in gymnasiums and community centres.

A masked man shovels volcanic ash from a roof of his residence in Miyakonojo, near Mount Shinmoedake

Officials are warning residents of the dangers of debris, ash and possible landslides - but the evacuation is not mandatory and some people are returning to their homes.

Shinmoedake peak erupts between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, in this aerial view (28 January)

Volcanologists are warning that a dome of lava inside the crater could grow large enough to spill over the rim and create flows down the sides of the volcano.

Volcanic lightning or a dirty thunderstorm is seen above Shinmoedake peak as it erupts (28 January)

Japan sits on the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire, where the continental tectonic plates meet, causing high volcanic and seismic activity.

Asia-Pacific

In pictures: Japan volcano threat

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