Volcanoes Erupt After 7.0 Magnitude Quake in Russia

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern coast of Russia early Sunday, causing quite a stir. The quake, which struck about 63 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, happened at a depth of about 18 miles beneath the Pacific Ocean.

Shortly after the earthquake, the Shiveluch volcano began to erupt, sending ash plumes soaring up to 5 miles into the sky. Scientists from the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported this development, highlighting that the volcano is well-known for its activity.

The volcano is located around 280 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a coastal city that is home to over 181,000 people and is close to a significant Russian submarine base. Residents reported feeling strong shakes, some of the most intense in a long while.

Additionally, the Ebeko volcano on the Kuril Islands also erupted, sending ash clouds rising about 1.5 miles high. Interestingly, it’s unclear whether the earthquake directly caused these volcanic eruptions.

The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team issued a «code red» warning for aircraft, but thankfully, no commercial flights were disrupted, and aviation infrastructure remained undamaged. A tsunami warning following the earthquake was later lifted, bringing some relief.

While the initial reports indicated no major injuries or damage, experts warn that more seismic activity could be ahead. The Institute of Volcanology mentioned that an even stronger earthquake, possibly reaching a magnitude of 9.0, could occur within the next 24 hours.