Volcano Erupts In Russia's Far East

A volcano in Russia's Far East erupted on January 19, sending up a plume of ash more than 8 kilometers above sea level and creating a possible hazard for local air traffic.

The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in the Kamchatka area reported after the eruption that smoke from the Zhupanovsky volcano was drifting east into the Pacific Ocean.

The institute also issued a code orange warning, signaling that an eruption is under way and warning aircraft to avoid flying near the area.

The volcano is 70 kilometers from the nearest town.

Local emergency services said on January 19 that ash from the eruption had not yet drifted over populated areas.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and TASS