PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia (August 18, 2024) — The Shiveluch volcano, one of Russia’s most active, erupted on Sunday, sending massive plumes of ash 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky over the Kamchatka Peninsula. The eruption was triggered shortly after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka, raising concerns of further seismic activity in the region.
Volcanologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences reported that the earthquake, which occurred early Sunday, may signal the potential for an even more powerful quake in the near future. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of the nearest city and struck at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) under the sea bed.
In response to the eruption, a “code red” ash cloud warning was issued for aircraft, alerting all flights in the area to the potential hazards. However, reports indicate that no commercial flights were disrupted, and there was no damage to aviation infrastructure. The ash cloud from Shiveluch stretched over 490 kilometers (304 miles) to the east and southeast, creating a significant hazard for the surrounding areas.
In addition to Shiveluch, the Ebeko volcano on the Kuril Islands also erupted, sending ash 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) into the atmosphere. Although the connection between the earthquake and the volcanic eruptions has not been confirmed, the simultaneous occurrences have heightened concerns.
Russian scientists have warned that the recent seismic activity could be a precursor to an even stronger earthquake, potentially reaching a magnitude of 9.0, within the next 24 hours. The region has a history of devastating earthquakes, including a 9.0 magnitude quake in 1952, which caused significant damage but no reported deaths despite triggering large waves as far away as Hawaii.
Residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of over 181,000 people, reported experiencing some of the strongest tremors in recent memory. Authorities remain on high alert as they monitor the situation, with emergency services prepared to respond to any further developments.
