Japanese volcano erupts – in pictures

Shinmoedake peak eruption – as seen from Takaharu, a town in Miyazaki prefecture Photograph: Reuters

Volcanic lightning is seen above Shinmoedake as it erupts Photograph: Reuters

An aerial view shows smoke spewing from Shinmoedake peak, which is located between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

The eruption sends tonnes of ash into the atmosphere Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

A view of the lava dome in Shinmoedake's crater Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

Erupting Shinmoedake, as seen from Kirishima town Photograph: Kirishima City Office/EPA

Volcanic ash from the Shinmoedake eruption covers Takaharu town Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

Takaharu town is blanketed in ash from the eruption Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

Ash rises from Shinmoedake in Kirishima mountain range Photograph: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images

People try to clear volcanic ashes from the streets near Shinmoedake Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

Tonnes of ash produced by the eruption has covered nearby towns and cities including Miyakonojo Photograph: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images

White smoke rises from the crater on Shinmoedake Photograph: AP