The Krashenannikov volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East has erupted for the first time in over 600 years, spitting ashes into the sky up to 29,000 feet. The eruption, which began in a much smaller form a few days ago, follows a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that simply exploded on Sunday, August 3rd, struck the area and caused a tsunami warning throughout the Pacific Ocean.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Response has not reported any immediate threat to densely populated areas, but a red aviation warning has been issued, warning pilots of potential flight risks due to ash clouds reaching up to 27,880 feet.
The eruptions overcame the Chronotsky Nature Reserve, which has a geyser valley and ashed hiagrama population. Russian volcanologist Alexei Ozerov recorded cracks formed in volcanic craters, releasing steam gas mixtures and substantial ash emissions. Authorities are considering evacuating tourists from the geyser valley due to the smell of gas and ongoing volcanic activity.
Exploding Russian volcanoes, possibly caused by earthquakes
The eruption is said to be linked to a large earthquake a few days ago. It was one of the strongest recorded so far, causing millions of evacuations and tsunami warnings to even Polynesia and Chile, France. On Sunday, August 3rd, 7.0 fresh aftershocks struck the Kuril Islands, just off the southern coast of Kamchatka, causing fresh tsunami warnings in three parts of the peninsula. When sudden waves began to crash into the coast, residents were already told to leave the beach by tsunami prayer authorities.
Orga Zilina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Reaction Team, suggested that volcanic activity could be linked to recent seismic events as the peninsula is located in a volatile “Pacific Ring.” Vsevolod Yakovlev, head of Kronotsky Nature Reserve, said eruptions are not uncommon in this volcanic area, but ongoing ash explosions up to 32,800 feet could pose a risk to international, low aircraft.
Russian officials continue to monitor the situation, urging vigilance against tsunamis, particularly as tsunamis and volcanic activity continue, but emphasize that there is no immediate danger to life or wildlife.
