One Japan’s most active volcanoes erupted in one of its largest eruptions Sunday.

The volcano shot an ash plume at least 16,000 feet into the air according to the Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory. The plume was the largest recorded plume in the volcano’s history. (Records began in 1955.) Large rocks were spotted flying from the mouth of the volcano.

The visibility in the nearby city of Kagoshima was significantly reduced as ash began to fall across the land. It became so dark drivers had to use headlights starting around 5 p.m. due to the ash. Officials told public transport and farmers to prepare for more ash to fall from the volcano.

Japan has been suffering through significant weather and geological problems this month including a record heat wave that has killed at least 17 people.