When Mount Etna erupted in January, it had the distinction of causing the first ash-related airline cancellations and delays for 2011. Now, with the eruption of Mount Shinmoedake on Japan's southern Kyushu Island, we have 2011's most unfortunately timed airline disruptions. Luckily the effect has been minimal, however our favorite traveling DJ, Canadian Max Graham tweeted yesterday that his flight from Hong Kong was delayed 80 minutes due to the wrath of Mother Nature.
Is the activity of Shinmoedake tied to the earthquake? Research is being done, but there's no concrete answer to that question quite yet. Just know to double check your flights for delays if they are traveling to Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Seoul, Gimpo, Hong Kong, and even Beijing or Shanghai...just in case.
Here's a bit more of what's going down on Kyushu right now:
Sunday's eruption, which was the biggest volcanic activity in Shinmoedake in 52 years, caused widespread destruction and panic. The blast could be heard for miles, and shattered windows four miles away, the BBC reported. Hundreds of people fled the area as the volcano spewed debris, including hot ash and rocks, more than 6,000 feet in the air, according to BBC reports.
Yes, but note that no one was killed. So at least there's that.
[Photo: AP/NYDN]
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