An ash cloud from the Zhiveluch volcano in the east of the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka threatens to impair air traffic in the region.
The Russian volcano observatory KVERT issued a red alert warning for air traffic today. “The ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft,” it said. A large ash cloud is drifting west of the volcano and ash explosions of up to 15 kilometers in height can occur at any time.
Shiveluch is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Kamchatka. The main air route between the USA and Japan is along the Russian Peninsula. Ash clouds can paralyze air traffic over large areas.