Shiveluch Volcano Erupts After Quake in Russia

One of Russia’s most active volcanoes, Shiveluch, erupted recently, sending ash soaring 5 kilometers into the sky. This dramatic event occurred shortly after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the east coast of Kamchatka on Sunday.

The Russian Academy of Sciences documented the eruption, highlighting the ash cloud that extended more than 490 kilometers to the east and southeast of the volcano. Volcanologists fear that another stronger earthquake may strike soon.

In addition to Shiveluch, the Ebeko volcano located on the Kuril Islands also released ash, which rose about 2.5 kilometers high. However, it remains uncertain whether the earthquake triggered these volcanic activities.

A temporary “code red” warning was issued for aircraft due to the ash cloud, but reports indicate that no commercial flights were affected and aviation infrastructure remained intact.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake hit a depth of about 6 kilometers under the sea, with its epicenter located 108 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city with over 181,000 residents. Residents described experiencing some of the strongest shaking they’ve felt in a long time.

Interestingly, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage following the earthquake. While a tsunami warning was initially declared, it was later lifted, though minor sea level fluctuations were expected in coastal areas nearby.