The Mount Usu volcano on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido has erupted, sending a huge column of grey smoke, gas and hot rock billowing high into the air.

More than 10,000 people had already been evacuated from the immediate area after government warnings that the volcano was about to erupt. They are now being housed in schools and public halls.

The eruption came just hours after roads began cracking from growing fissures on the flanks of the snow-capped mountain, early signs of the magma swelling below the earth.

Full Story and Photos: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_696000/696627.stm

Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com