Japan's Meteorological Agency said on Friday that the Sakurajima volcano in the south has erupted. According to reports, lava was seen flowing down its slope. Japanese television showed an orange burst out of the side of the volcano, near the summit, accompanied by lightning-like flashes, reported AP. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Kyoto University volcanologist Kazuhiro Ishihara told public broadcaster NHK that Friday's eruption was average compared to Sakurajima's past eruptions. Its lastmajor eruption was in September last year. Prior to it, the country had raised its volcano alert to the second-highest level.

The Sakurajima mountain, located on the southern island of Kyushu, is one of Japan's most active volcanoes and erupts constantly, reported Reuters. It is located off the coast of Kagoshima, a city of more than 600,000 people, reported AFP.

Note: The above picture was taken in May 2015.