Following a strong earthquake in the Pacific on Wednesday, the Klyuchevskoy volcano in Russia erupted on the Kamchatka peninsula.
Hours after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook the area and caused tsunami waves in the Pacific, scientists reported the “descent of burning hot lava” down the slopes of one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Klyuchevskoy sits about 450 kilometres (280 miles) north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital, and has erupted multiple times in recent years.
The Russian Academy of Sciences’ United Geophysical Service confirmed the eruption, stating on Telegram: “A descent of burning hot lava is observed on the western slope. Powerful glow above the volcano, explosions.”
Wednesday’s 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula caused house damage and injuries but no confirmed fatalities. Tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific, later downgraded in places like Japan and Hawaii. Northern Japan saw coastal flooding, prompting evacuations reminiscent of 2011’s disaster, though no nuclear anomalies were reported. Kamchatka recorded 13-foot waves, while San Francisco saw up to 5 feet. Hawaii lifted evacuation orders but remained under advisory. Chile upgraded its tsunami alert, prompting mass evacuations. Waves also hit French Polynesia and the Galapagos Islands. Experts warn tsunamis involve multiple waves and may continue for hours, even after initial impact.
