Russian Volcano Starts to Erupt

STORY:
The Koryakski Volcano in eastern Russia stands tall and imposing in a winter coating of snow.

But the tell tail trace of smoke from its summit represents a real danger to nearby communities.

It has started a major eruption for the first time in more than three millennia.

Scientists now predict an even more damaging and far reaching eruption.

And the towns and populations in the area could be at risk as ash starts to be spewed out.

The volcano on the remote Kamchatka peninsula has a height of 3,456 meters.

Volcanologist Alexei Ozerov believes it could pose a serious disruption to air traffic.

[Alexei Ozerov, Scientist]:
"I think that the eruption will be stronger, but there is no reason to panic, there is no immediate danger. The ash could be emitted to the city, also the airport runway may be covered with ash, which is dangerous. We consider the ash as the main danger so far, and also it is necessary to monitor Koryaksky volcano for possible avalanches."

The Kamchatka peninsula has as many as 29 active volcanoes, their eruptions and frequent earthquakes can destroy roads and airport runways.   

At least a dozen or more of the volcanoes there currently have active vents.