New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Sakurajima volcano on Kyushu, Japan, erupted multiple times early Sunday morning, sending ash over 2.7 miles (4,400 meters) into the air and forcing dozens of flight cancellations as authorities monitored ongoing activity.

The explosive eruption took place around 1 am (local time) on Sunday at the Minamidake crater. There were two more eruptions at about 2:30 am and 8:50 am.

It sent a plume rising above 4,000 meters for the first time since October 18 last year, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

An ashfall forecast was issued for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures as the eruption continued following the initial event.

"In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please ...