Eruption of Eurasia’s tallest active volcano sends ash columns above a Russian peninsula

MOSCOW (AP) — Huge ash columns have erupted from Eurasia’s tallest active volcano and forced authorities to close schools in two towns on Russia’s sparsely populated Kamchatka Peninsula. Officials said the eruptions from the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano on Wednesday sent ash as high as 13 kilometers (8 miles) above sea level. There were no reports of injuries, but officials ordered schools in Ust-Kamchatsk and Klyuchy closed as a precaution.  The 4,650-meter (15,255-foot) stratovolcano has been active in recent years and released lava in June. The Kamchatka Peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean about 6,700 kilometers (4,100 miles) east of Moscow. It’s noted for its array of active and dormant volcanoes, geysers and geothermal springs.