MOSCOW, April 11. /TASS/. Russian pilots have been alerted of the risk of hazards stemming from the eruption of the Shiveluch volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, according to a relevant notice to air missions (NOTAM) seen by TASS.

"An eruption reaching flight level 520 could take place at any time. [The volcano’s] current activity may pose risks to domestic and international flights," the text of the NOTAM reads. Aircraft crews are advised to exercise caution when independently evaluating the feasibility of a given flight.

Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s aviation watchdog, told reporters that the volcano’s status corresponded to the highest ("red") alert level. Regional air traffic control authorities are ready to assist Russian and foreign crews in choosing alternative or safe routes, Rosaviatsiya added.

Shiveluch is one of the largest volcanoes on Kamchatka with a height of 3,283 meters. It consists of three elements: the "Old Shiveluch" stratovolcano, an ancient caldera, and the active "Young Shiveluch."

Experts say volcanic ash fall on the village of Klyuchi, the inhabited location in closest proximity to Shiveluch, was the heaviest seen in the past 60 years.