Russian volcano erupts after 500 years following 8.8-magnitude earthquake–Watch video here

Long-Dormant Volcano Erupts in Russia After Series of Quakes (Image: artemsheldr/Instagram)

A once-silent volcano has burst to life in Russia's Far East. The Krasheninnikov volcano erupted for the first time in centuries just days after a massive earthquake rattled the region. Locals woke to the news on Sunday as ash billowed into the sky.

When and where the eruption happened
Krasheninnikov, standing 1,800 metres tall, erupted overnight on 3 August. Located in the Kamchatka Peninsula, the volcano had not erupted for nearly 500 years. The eruption sent ash nearly 6 kilometres into the air. Russia’s emergency ministry confirmed no nearby settlements were at risk.

The eruption came after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the region on 30 July. Within hours of that quake, the Klyuchevskoy volcano also erupted. Now, a second tremor, this time of magnitude 7.0, was recorded on 3 August near the Kuril Islands. A tsunami warning was issued but later withdrawn.

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What experts say about possible links
Scientists believe the two eruptions could be connected to recent seismic activity. The Kamchatka region sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where quakes and eruptions often follow one another. According to the US Geological Survey, strong earthquakes can trigger eruptions if magma is already under pressure.

Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, said this was the volcano’s first confirmed eruption in 600 years. Russian volcanologists believe the last known lava flow happened shortly after 1463. However, Smithsonian records suggest the last eruption occurred around 1550.

What’s next for Kamchatka Peninsula?
Experts warn more aftershocks may follow in the coming weeks, Reuters reported. While Krasheninnikov's eruption caused no immediate harm, the sequence of quakes and eruptions is being closely studied. The region remains on alert as scientists continue to monitor volcanic unrest.

Though quiet for centuries, Krasheninnikov has now become a fresh concern. With multiple fault lines and active volcanoes, Kamchatka remains one of Earth’s most volatile regions.