A volcano in eastern Russia has erupted for the first time in over 500 years, potentially linked to a recent massive earthquake. The Krasheninnikov Volcano in Kamchatka emitted an ash plume reaching six kilometers high. Russia’s emergency ministry stated there are no threats to populated areas. Shortly after, another significant earthquake prompted tsunami warnings in three peninsula areas. Both events may be associated with an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit a similar region last week, which triggered tsunami warnings as far as French Polynesia and Chile. Russian experts had predicted strong aftershocks could occur for weeks following one of the strongest recorded earthquakes, which led to massive evacuations. Sunday’s 7.0 magnitude quake struck the Kuril Islands and might cause waves up to 18cm high, as reported by the emergency ministry, advising people in three Kamchatka areas to move away from the shore despite the low wave heights. The last recorded eruption of Krasheninnikov was in the 15th century, as noted by the head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team. Olga Girina mentioned the possible link to the earlier 8.8 magnitude earthquake, according to RIA. The Kamchatka Peninsula, though remote, is part of the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” known for frequent earthquakes and volcanoes.
