Japan's 'James Bond' volcano erupts; prompts evacuation (Photos)
The Shinmoedake peak erupts. Ash and rocks fell across a wide swath of southern Japan. Picture taken by long exposure. (Takaharu Town Office/Handout/Reuters)
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the Shinmoedake peak, one of Mount Kirishima's many calderas, erupted, covering a large area with ash and rock. Mount Kirishima had a starring role in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." The volcano hid the secret base of the villain Ernst Blofeld.
Authorities raised alert levels in the area and called for all residents within a few miles of the volcano to be evacuated.
(Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images)
(Kyodo/Reuters)
(Kyodo/Reuters)
(Japan Meteorological Agency/AFP/Getty Images)
(Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images)
By
Melissa Bell
| January 27, 2011; 3:00 PM ET
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If the volcano can pump out a little more ash, we're going to have some beautiful sunsets around the globe for a while.
Posted by: davewyman | January 27, 2011 7:22 PM | Report abuse
What's with the lightning bolt?
Posted by: tfirey | January 27, 2011 9:55 PM | Report abuse
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