Russian volcano erupts for first time in centuries after massive earthquake strikes Kamchatka Peninsula

 

     

A volcano on Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, the Krasheninnikov volcano, has erupted for the first time in centuries, days after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region. The eruption, which was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, sent an ash plume 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) into the sky.

This eruption is believed to be the first historically confirmed eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano in 600 years, although some sources place its last eruption at 475 years ago. The ash plume is spreading eastward towards the Pacific Ocean and has not affected any populated areas.

   

The eruption is considered a geologically significant event, and experts suggest it may be linked to the massive earthquake that occurred earlier in the week. The Kamchatka Peninsula, situated on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," is home to numerous volcanoes and is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Another volcano in the region, Klyuchevskoy, also began erupting after the earthquake.