Russian volcano gears up to most powerful eruption in 15 years

STORY: Russia's Shiveluch volcano may be about to erupt

Scientists say the volcano has become extremely active, threatening a powerful eruption

which may pose a risk to international flights

(Olga Girina, Head of Kamchatkan volcanic eruption response team)"The volcano at present is quite active. We've observed a sharp increase in the lava dome. The volcano is dangerous as it can throw ash up to 15km above sea level into the air at any time. The area around the volcano should not be entered now as it really is dangerous."

The Shiveluch volcano is located in Russia's far eastern Kamchatka peninsula

It is one of the peninsula's most active volcanoes

having erupted at least 60 times in the past 10,000 years