After 26 years, Mt. Plosky Tolbachik, in Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, erupted Tuesday evening, spewing a column of ash seven kilometers into the atmosphere. The volcanic ash cloud drifted toward northwest while the lava flowed down the volcano's southern slope. The ash fell in the villages of Maiskoye and Krasny Yar, forming ash layer of about four centimeters. An orange alert has been issued due to the eruption, which though did not pose hazard to the populated area. However, nearby residents are warned of the possible hazards the the lava or the ash may cause. A significant increase in seismic activity and more than 130 volcanic earthquakes have been registered at Plosky Tolbachik volcano. Its latest eruption was recorded in 1975-1976. ubAlert