VLADIVOSTOK, Russia - Plumes of ash and hot gas jetting out of Kizimen volcano on Russian Kamchatka Peninsula have spread more than 15 km eastward as eruption continues.

Giant columns of steam and ash shot up to 500 meters above the crater. Ash plumes have spread more than 15 km eastward of the volcano.

Ash plumes, poisonous to human and animals, can also pose threats to aviation as fallen ash particles may cause mechanical problems and bring down airplanes.

Kizimen is one of 29 active volcanoes in Kamchatka.