The Krasheninnikov Volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted for the first time in recorded history, its first in 600 years, today. Local authorities reported that the eruption began at 2:50 AM local time, sending ash clouds up to 4 km above sea level.
The volcano has been given an orange aviation warning due to the risk it poses to aircraft. The eruption may be linked to a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake and repeated aftershocks in the region earlier in the week, which also triggered tsunami warnings.
Krasheninnikov’s last known eruption occurred around 1463. Scientists believe the recent seismic activity could have caused the volcano to erupt.
The ash plume has moved eastward toward the Pacific Ocean, and no populated areas are at risk. The volcano, located 200 km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, remains under close observation.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid travelling near other active volcanoes in the region.
