Anna Hartz
Volcano in Eastern Russia Spewing Ash and Fire Worries Scientists
Kamchatka is a remote part of eastern Russia that many people never think about. But it’s also home to one of the most powerful volcanoes in the world.
When that volcano stirs, scientists and nearby communities take notice. That’s exactly what’s happening now with Klyuchevskaya Sopka.
Air Travel Delays and Reroutes
On July 29, scientists at the Russian Academy of Sciences reported new activity inside the volcano’s crater, reports WP.
A fresh cone has formed and is now the main site of eruptions. Ash and glowing volcanic bombs are being thrown out regularly.
Before this, such eruptions only happened every few days. Now the volcano seems far more active.
Then came July 30. A powerful earthquake struck the region. It measured 8.7 on the Richter scale.
Its epicenter was just 125 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s capital. Experts believe this quake may have triggered or sped up the volcanic activity.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka has a long history. It has been erupting on and off since at least 1697. The last big event happened in 2023.
That eruption sent a cloud of ash 13 kilometers into the sky. It caused serious problems for air travel. Planes were delayed or rerouted as far away as Vancouver, Canada.
Village Only 30 Km Away
The volcano is massive. It stands 4,850 meters tall, making it the highest active volcano in Eurasia. Its wide cone shape and dramatic presence dominate the landscape.
The crater at the top is about 700 meters across. Around it, about 80 smaller cones and craters scatter its slopes.
Only 30 kilometers away is the village of Klyuchi. About 4,500 people live there. For them, the volcano is a constant presence.
It offers stunning views but also carries danger. Every new tremor or ash cloud brings fear and uncertainty.
Right now, scientists are keeping a close watch. The volcano is beautiful. But it’s also a reminder of how powerful nature can be.
