Volcano threat in Japan

JAPAN’S coast guard sent aircraft yesterday to investigate reports of a one kilometre-high column of water vapour that shot up from the Pacific Ocean near Iwo Jima - a possible sign of volcanic activity - officials said.

Defence officials who flew over the area in a helicopter said the surface of the water appeared red in the area where the column was reported, which could indicate underwater volcanic activity.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said there was no danger of tsunami - potentially killer waves sometimes caused by undersea seismic activity.