2011-06-17 15:59

VLADIVOSTOK - An active volcano in the eastern Russian peninsula of Kamchatka has been pumping ashes 10 kilometers high into the air, creating a possible hazard to local residents and air traffic, Russian scientists reported Friday.

Although the eruption poses no immediate threat to nearby settlements, the ensuing ash fallouts could be hazardous to local people's health and the environment, they said.

The volcanic ash cloud could also pose a threat to air traffic as tiny ash particles can cause problems in aircraft engines.

Scientists reported increased level of activity at the volcano, located in the center of Kamchatka peninsula, in May 2009, and since then the volcano has periodically spewed ash three to eight kilometers high into the air.

Kamchatka peninsula is adjacent to a major air corridor used by commercial flights between Japan, South Korea, and North America.

The volcanic activity over the past two to three years has significantly changed the overall look of the volcano, with the crater enlarged by 50 percent and the slopes made far steeper, scientists said.