Small volcanic eruption observed at Mt. Aso in southwest Japan

TOKYO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Mount Aso in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto erupted Friday, the weather agency here said.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the small eruption occurred at 3:40 p.m. local time at the No. 1 Nakadake crater of the volcano.

The JMA said smoke and ash billowed from the crater with plumes reaching as high as 1,600 meters.

There have been no immediate reports of injuries as a result of the eruption, local officials said.

The eruption on Friday followed previous ones that occurred on April 16 and April 19.

The weather agency has maintained its alert level for Mt. Aso at 2 on its scale which peaks at 5, warning people not to approach within one km of the volcano's crater.