By PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia — A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Sunday, followed by eruptions of two of the region’s most active volcanoes, according to the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Shiveluch volcano, one of Russia’s most active, began erupting shortly after the earthquake, spewing ash plumes up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky. The ash cloud stretched over 490 kilometers (304 miles) east and southeast of the volcano, prompting a brief “code red” warning for aircraft.
The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Russian Academy of Sciences released video footage showing the extensive ash cloud over Shiveluch. The institute also reported that the Ebeko volcano, located on the Kuril Islands, ejected ash to a height of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).
Russian scientists have warned that these events may be precursors to an even stronger earthquake. The Institute of Volcanology stated that a potential second quake with a magnitude approaching 9.0 could occur “within 24 hours” in southeastern Kamchatka.
The initial earthquake struck at 5:06 a.m. local time at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) beneath the sea bed. Its epicenter was located 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the nearest city, according to Russian emergency officials.
Residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a port city of over 181,000 people situated near a significant Russian submarine base, reported some of the strongest shaking “in a long time,” according to Russian news outlets. However, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
The region has a history of powerful seismic events. On November 4, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Kamchatka caused damage in the area and triggered 9.1-meter (30-foot) waves in Hawaii, though no deaths were reported from that event.
Local authorities and the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are monitoring the situation closely. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay informed about potential evacuation orders and to be prepared for aftershocks.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is known for its high seismic and volcanic activity. The region is home to over 160 volcanoes, with around 29 considered active.
As of Sunday evening, international aviation authorities were reassessing flight paths in the region due to the volcanic ash, which can pose significant risks to aircraft engines.
