RING OF FIRE

Japan's Mount Shindake Volcano Erupts

Evacuation ordered.

Japan issued an emergency evacuation after the Mount Shindake volcano erupted on the remote southern island of Kuchinoerabu Friday morning, sending a massive plume of ash into the air. An estimated 130 people live on the island but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Around 80 residents had taken refuge on a shelter on the island, national broadcaster NHK reported, citing local officials. The weather agency raised its warning level to five, the largest on its five-point warning system. Kuchinoerabu is reached by a once-a-day ferry from Yakushima island, which is about 7 miles to the east. Authorities are assessing the damage by helicopter.