Tourists warned to keep away from volcanoes in Russian Far East

People have been urged not to climb Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Shiveluch and Bezymyanny in Kamchatka at a time of high activity. 

The alert came from the Emergencies Ministry in Kamchatka. 

'In the vicinity of the volcanoes, observations show gas concentrations over the permissible limits,' said the warning. 

'In addition, there is a risk of getting caught in ash falls, which can lead to allergic reactions.' There is also a danger of 'spontaneous avalanches'.

'Don't forget about your own safety while searching for beautiful pictures,' residents and visitors are warned. 

Tourism companies were also strongly advised not to bring groups close to erupting volcanoes, and not to climb them.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka has been especially active, with seven lava flows.

Head of volcano station Klyuchi, Yuri Demyanchuk, said: 'The activity of the volcano is very high.' Ash emissions have reached 11 kilometres high.