A strong earthquake and subsequent volcanic eruption have been recorded on the Kamchatka Peninsula, raising concerns over aviation safety due to the ash cloud released by the volcano.
Volcanic Eruption at Shiveluch Volcano
In the early hours of Sunday, the Shiveluch volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula experienced a significant eruption. This event was preceded by a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0, as reported by TASS and CNN.
The eruption sent a column of volcanic ash soaring up to eight kilometers into the sky. Local authorities have warned that the ash cloud poses a potential threat to air traffic safety in the region.
Shiveluch: The Northernmost Active Volcano on Kamchatka
Shiveluch, the northernmost active volcano on Kamchatka, is located about 45 kilometers from the village of Klyuchi in the Ust-Kamchatsk district, home to approximately 5,000 people.
Details of the Earthquake
The epicenter of the earthquake was pinpointed in the Bering Sea, roughly 108 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a depth of six kilometers below the seabed. The tremors were felt not only in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky but also in the surrounding districts of Vilyuchinsk, Yelizovsky, and Ust-Kamchatsk. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage.
Expectation of Aftershocks
The local branch of the Geophysical Service has indicated that strong aftershocks, with an intensity of up to five on the Richter scale, are likely to be felt in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky over the coming days.
Kamchatka: A Hotspot for Seismic Activity
Kamchatka is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, home to around 200 volcanoes, 29 of which are active. The tallest among them, Klyuchevskaya, stands at 4,750 meters.
