Tokyo, Mar 6: The volcano known as 'Shinmoedake', located in southern Japan, erupted violently on Tuesday. All flights passing to and fro from the nearby Kagoshima airport were cancelled since the volcano was still in eruption mode.

According to reports, the volcano measuring 4,660-feet erupted molten stones and smokes to a height of up to 7,500 feet above sea level. The crater was seen flowing with lava by the time the first reports emerged. The authorities at Kyushu islands, where the volcano is located, has restricted travellers and locals from reaching close to the volcano site.

Shinmoedake volcano earned fame as it was featured in the 1960s' iconic James Bond movie 'You only live twice'.

The volcano last erupted with this intensity in 2011. Over the past seven years, it has been erupting at moderate to minor intensities.

In the last week, a minor eruption was reported when Shinmoedake shot up smoke and ash up to few feets in the air.

Japan has a total of 110 active volcanoes which are continuously being monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The maximum number of casualties due to volcanic disaster was reported in September 2014, when 63 people had died on Mount Ontake.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2018 07:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).