Alert level raised as Japanese volcano erupts

Smoke and ash continue to spew from Mount Shinmoedake in southern Japan.

Local officials have raised the alert level and banned residents from going within a 1.2 mile radius of the volcano in the Kagoshima Prefecture.

There was a small eruption on Wednesday with the plume of smoke reaching as high as 4920 feet at one point, distributing volcanic ash across surrounding villages.

Residents as far as four miles away said their windows had trembled and they were kept awake by the loud rumbling sound.

The persistent ash has blocked visibility in the surrounding area and has made the roads slippery and treacherous for motorists.

Train services in the area have been suspended, with some flights to the area cancelled, but so far there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

Fans of 007 may recognize Mount Shinmoedake, as Bond villain Ernst Blofeld had his secret underground base in the volcano in the film You Only Live Twice.