Scientists warn of the worst after earthquake and volcano eruption in Russia
Scientists are warning of a possible tremor in the Kamchatka region and say it could be a much more powerful quake.
2024-08-20T14:24:26+00:00- Scientists Warn of Another Earthquake.
- Volcanic Eruption in Kamchatka.
- Possible Second Imminent Earthquake.
Eastern Russia is on alert following the eruption of one of its most active volcanoes, Shiveluch.
Which has spewed ash columns five kilometers high above the Kamchatka Peninsula.
This volcanic activity has raised concerns among the scientific community, especially after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the east coast of Kamchatka.
Volcano Shiveluch began showing signs of activity shortly after the strong earthquake.
Red Alert Issued for Another Possible Earthquake
This led the vulcanologists at the Russian Academy of Sciences to issue a «red code» warning for aircraft operating in the region.
The ash cloud produced by the eruption extended over 490 kilometers east and southeast of the volcano, potentially affecting air traffic in the area.
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The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Academy published striking images of the massive ash cloud over Shiveluch, showcasing the magnitude of the eruption.
However, it’s worth noting that the «red code» warning was briefly lifted after it was confirmed that no commercial flights had been disrupted.
Scientists continue to closely monitor the situation due to the possibility of an even stronger earthquake occurring in the next few hours.
In addition to the activity at Shiveluch, another volcano, Ebeko, located on the Kuril Islands, also erupted, throwing ash 2.5 kilometers high.
However, it has not been confirmed if these eruptions are directly related to Sunday’s earthquake.
The temporal proximity of both events has increased concern among experts.
Russian scientists have warned that the tremors in the region could be indicative of a much more powerful earthquake in southeastern Kamchatka.
According to the Institute of Volcanology, a second earthquake, with a magnitude close to 9.0, could occur at any time within the next 24 hours.
This possibility has put authorities and residents of the region on alert, fearing the potential consequences of such an event.
So far, no injuries have been reported as a result of Sunday’s earthquake, which had its epicenter 108 kilometers southeast of the nearest city.
And occurred at a depth of six kilometers under the seabed.
However, the community in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has reported that the tremors experienced were the most intense in a long time.
This type of seismic and volcanic activity is not unusual in Kamchatka, a region known for its high geothermal activity.
Nevertheless, the magnitude and simultaneity of the recent events have generated considerable concern, especially in light of the seismic history of the area.
It is worth remembering that on November 4, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake shook Kamchatka, generating 9.1-meter waves in Hawaii, although fortunately, no deaths were reported at that time.
The scientific community remains vigilant for any changes in seismic and volcanic activity in the region, reported ‘The Associated Press‘.
Meanwhile, local authorities have urged the population to stay informed and prepared for any eventuality.
Constant monitoring and early warnings are crucial in situations like this, where lives and infrastructure are at stake.