Krasheninnikov Volcano Erupts After Powerful Earthquake in Kamchatka
The Krasheninnikov volcano in Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted on Sunday, sending ash 3.7 miles into the sky, just days after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook the region.
According to the Kronotsky Reserve, this marks the first confirmed eruption of Krasheninnikov in over 600 years. The volcanic plume drifted east toward the Pacific Ocean, with officials confirming no populated areas were directly affected and no ashfall reported in nearby towns.
Tsunami Warnings and Seismic Activity
The eruption was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that triggered tsunami warnings for three areas of Kamchatka. Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services later lifted the warnings.
The 8.8-magnitude quake earlier in the week had already sent small tsunami waves to Japan and Alaska, prompting alerts as far as Hawaii, Central America, and New Zealand.
Historic Eruption
Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, told Russian state media that moderate explosive activity could continue, although intensity has decreased since the initial blast.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program lists Krasheninnikov’s last eruption in 1550, creating a discrepancy with local historical records citing 600 years.
Global Impact
While the eruption sent ash high into the atmosphere, scientists say significant climate effects are unlikely unless aerosols reach the stratosphere. The event follows a series of powerful seismic and volcanic activities in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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