A volcano in southwestern Japan has erupted for the sixth time since last week, spewing columns of smoke thousands of feet into the sky.

Hundreds of local residents have been evacuated to safer areas after Mount Shinmoe in the Kirishima volcanic group blew its top.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said there was no confirmation of any avalanches of volcanic debris from the crater, nor any reports of damage from the surrounding area.

The danger zone has now been widened to keep residents safe, although no serious injuries have been reported since the initial eruption last Wednesday.

Experts say a dome of lava is growing larger inside the 4,662-foot volcano's crater, but it was not certain whether it would grow enough to spill over the rim and create large flows down the sides.

Dozens of domestic flights in and out of Miyazaki prefecture were grounded last week.

Train services were also temporarily suspended in the area and many schools closed.