A long-inactive volcano in Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula has erupted for the first time in at least 400 years, sending a massive ash plume soaring into the sky.
The Krasheninnikov volcano, located within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, came to life around 6 a.m. local time on Sunday following a series of seismic tremors that rattled the region over the past week. According to officials at the nature reserve, the eruption was preceded by visible gas and vapor emissions, prompting an immediate evacuation of research staff.
The ash cloud from the eruption reportedly rose as high as four miles into the atmosphere. However, authorities have reassured the public that the volcano poses no immediate danger, as it is located far from populated areas.
Vsevolod Yakovlev, acting director of the reserve, described the eruption as a “fascinating geological event.” He noted that Krasheninnikov is one of eight active volcanoes under observation in the protected region.
The eruption follows a wave of significant seismic activity across Kamchatka. Just last week, the area was struck by a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which triggered tsunami alerts throughout the Pacific. Though the quake was intense, no major damage or injuries were reported.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, another volcano in the region—Klyuchevskoy—also erupted, further underscoring the area’s geological volatility. On the same Sunday as the Krasheninnikov eruption, a 7.0-magnitude quake hit the sparsely populated Kuril Islands nearby. Russian authorities confirmed there were no casualties, and a briefly issued tsunami warning was later lifted.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, home to numerous volcanoes, many of which are closely monitored due to their potential impact on air traffic and surrounding ecosystems.
Source: Tribune Online
