The first eruption of volcanoes in Russia’s Far East in more than 500 years has been reported, and experts say it may be related to the massive earthquake last week.
Kamchatka’s Krasheninnikov volcano will reach up to six kilometers (3.7 miles) of gray feathers high overnight. Russia’s emergency ministry said there is no threat to densely populated areas.
A few hours later, another major earthquake in Russia caused a tsunami warning in three parts of the peninsula.
Both events may be related to the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred last week, which hit similar areas, triggering tsunami warnings, as far away as Polynesia and Chile.
Russian experts warn that there could be a powerful aftershock in the weeks following Wednesday’s earthquake – one of the strongest shocks ever and have seen millions of people evacuate.
According to Russian Emergency Ministries, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the Currill Islands on Sunday, potentially causing waves up to 18 cm (7 inches).
It said that despite the low height, people in the three areas of Kanchitka “still have to leave the shore.”
According to the head of the Kamchatka volcanic eruption response team, Klaseninnikov’s last recorded eruption was in the 15th century.
The Russian state news agency RIA said Olga Girina also said it may be related to an early 8.8-magnitude earthquake.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is far away, but is located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” – what is known as earthquake numbers and volcanoes.
