A volcano has erupted following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck off the east coast of Russia, sending a significant column of ash miles into the atmosphere, as reported by state-run media.
The Shiveluch volcano, located approximately 280 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky—a coastal city with a population of around 180,000 in Russia’s eastern Kamchatka region—has been particularly active.
According to TASS, the ash column has reached an altitude of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) above sea level, accompanied by a substantial flow of lava. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries related to the eruption or the earthquake.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the quake’s epicenter was situated about 55 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with a depth of approximately 30 miles.
TASS reported that, while there was no “major damage” from the earthquake, inspections of buildings are currently underway to assess any potential harm, particularly to social facilities.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry has not issued a tsunami warning following the tremor. However, earlier alerts from the U.S. Tsunami Warning System cautioned that “hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 km (around 186 miles) of the epicenter along the coasts of Russia.” As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the affected areas closely.
