Volcano in Russia's far east spews sea of lava

A volcano in eastern Russia, dormant since the seventies, spews ash and lava into the air.

Volcanologists say a rupture about 5 kilometres long has formed on the volcano's slope.

First eruptions appeared on November 27 and researchers say it's too early to say when they will end.

Lava poured into a nearby river valley, destroying a volcanologist research base and local tourist camp site, but there were no casualties.

Huge areas of surrounding tundra and wildlife have been destroyed in the eruptions.

And nearby towns have been affected by falls of volcanic ash.