An 8.8 magnitude earthquake awakens a volcano that had been dormant for 600 years

The Krasheninnikov volcano has erupted for the first time in over six centuries, following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the Kamchatka Peninsula last Wednesday. The seismic event triggered alarms across much of the Pacific region.

“The onset of active ash eruption was recorded at 6:00 a.m. local time on August 3 by staff from the security and scientific departments of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve,” authorities reported.

The scientific team at the Nature Reserve—where the volcano is located—noted that this is the first eruption ever recorded since research began in the area. Despite the historic nature of the event, officials have urged calm, emphasizing that the surrounding volcanic zone is uninhabited and poses no immediate threat to human life.

On Sunday, Russia also experienced another earthquake, this time measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter at a depth of approximately 26 kilometers. While tsunami warnings remain in effect, only low-intensity waves are expected.

This marks the first eruption of Krasheninnikov—a complex of two overlapping stratovolcanoes situated on a slope along the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula—since the year 1463. It is the second volcanic eruption linked to last Wednesday’s earthquake, the first having occurred at Kliuchevskoi, Siberia’s tallest volcano.

Krasheninnikov consists of fused cones spanning at least nine kilometers in diameter and is already emitting smoke plumes characteristic of ongoing volcanic activity. It lies within a highly active seismic zone in the eastern volcanic belt, about 200 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Related stories

Psychology

Why some people admire antagonistic leaders

Economy

The huge economic benefit that immigrants give to the US economy

In the past 24 hours alone, Russia has recorded at least 65 tremors, though only 10 were reportedly felt in the region, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.