By Godfrey Gusha
Russia — For the first time in six centuries, Russia’s Krasheninnikov Volcano has erupted, and scientists believe last week’s massive earthquake in the Far East may have triggered the dramatic event.
Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, confirmed on Sunday that this was the volcano’s first historically documented eruption since around 1463.
“The eruption may be connected to the recent earthquake that rattled the Kamchatka Peninsula and sparked tsunami warnings across the Pacific,” Girina said.
The ash plume from Krasheninnikov has soared up to 6,000 meters, according to Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services. Fortunately, officials reported that no populated areas lie in the path of the drifting ash cloud, which is moving eastward over the Pacific Ocean.
Authorities have issued an orange aviation alert, signaling heightened risks for aircraft. The eruption follows the quake that also preceded activity at Klyuchevskoy, Kamchatka’s most active volcano.
