A volcano in southwestern Japan that had been dormant for six years began erupting on Wednesday, spewing ash over farms, towns and cities.

The Meteorological Agency says larger eruptions are possible and is warning people nearby in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures to be aware of falling ash.

Schoolchildren have been equipped with gas masks to go to and from school.

There’s also a warning of possible lava flows within about two kilometres of the crater.