Largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere began erupting on Wednesday afternoon following the huge earthquake in Russia's far east.

The volcano has been assigned an "orange" aviation hazard code, the ministry added, meaning flights in the area may be disrupted.

The Krasheninnikov volcano eruption, which last happened in 1550, occurred just days after a powerful earthquake rocked the region. Authorities have confirmed that the plume's trajectory does not interfere with populated areas.