The Krasheninnikov volcano, located on Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula, erupted for the first time in over 500 years, sending a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) ash plume into the sky.
The eruption began at 4:50am local time on Sunday, following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on July 30.
No populated areas were affected, as the ash plume drifted eastward toward the Pacific Ocean, according to Kamchatka’s emergencies ministry.
Experts suggest the eruption may be linked to the recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded in the region.
A subsequent 7.0-magnitude quake on Sunday prompted tsunami warnings for three areas of Kamchatka, though these were later lifted.
“This is the first historic eruption of Krasheninnikov in 600 years,” said Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, noting a lava dome forming on the volcano’s slope.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, has seen heightened volcanic activity since the initial earthquake.
Other volcanoes, such as Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Shiveluch, and Karymsky, have also shown increased activity, with potential ash clouds reaching up to 10 kilometers.
Authorities have advised residents and visitors to maintain a 10-kilometer distance from active volcanic sites for safety.