PETROPAVOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia — One of Russia’s most active volcanoes has erupted, spewing plumes of ash 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky over the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula and briefly triggering a “code red” warning for aircraft.
The Shiveluch volcano began sputtering shortly after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Kamchatka’s east coast early Sunday, according to volcanologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences. They warned that another, even more potent earthquake may be on the way.
The academy’s Institute of Volcanology and Seismology released a video showing the ash cloud over Shiveluch. It stretched over 490 kilometers (304 miles) east and southeast of the volcano.
The Ebeko volcano located on the Kuril Islands also spewed ash 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) high, the institute said. It did not explicitly say whether the earthquake touched off the eruptions.
A “code red” ash cloud warning briefly put all aircraft in the area on alert, the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team reported. A separate report on Sunday carried by the official Tass news agency said that no commercial flights had been disrupted and there was no damage to aviation infrastructure.
The tremors in the area may be a prelude to an even stronger earthquake in southeastern Kamchatka, Russian scientists warned. The Institute of Volcanology said a potential second quake could come “within 24 hours” with a magnitude approaching 9.0.
There were no immediate reports of injuries from Sunday’s earthquake, which struck at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) under the sea bed with the epicenter 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of the nearest city, according to Russian emergency officials.
Russian news outlets cited residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a port city of more than 181,000 people that sits across a bay from an important Russian submarine base, reporting some of the strongest shaking “in a long time.”
On Nov. 4, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 quake in Kamchatka caused damage but no reported deaths despite setting off 9.1-meter (30-foot) waves in Hawaii.
Scientists are warning of a potentially stronger earthquake following a volcanic eruption in Russia’s Far East. The eruption, which occurred at the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula, has raised concerns among experts about the potential for increased seismic activity in the region.
The Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano is one of the most active in the world, with frequent eruptions occurring over the past few decades. The recent eruption sent ash and gas high into the atmosphere, prompting authorities to issue warnings to nearby residents and aircraft.
While the eruption itself is a significant event, scientists are particularly concerned about the potential for a stronger earthquake to follow. Volcanic eruptions can trigger seismic activity due to the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. This can lead to increased pressure on fault lines, potentially causing them to rupture and produce earthquakes.
In this case, experts are monitoring the region for signs of increased seismic activity following the eruption. They are particularly concerned about the potential for a larger earthquake to occur, which could pose a significant risk to nearby communities.
Residents in the area are being urged to stay informed and prepared for any potential earthquakes that may occur. Authorities are also working to assess the potential risks and develop plans to mitigate any potential impacts.
Overall, the recent volcanic eruption in Russia’s Far East has raised concerns among scientists about the potential for increased seismic activity in the region. While it is impossible to predict exactly when or where an earthquake may occur, experts are working diligently to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of those living in the area.
