Krasheninnikov Volcano Erupts After 600 Years

First eruption since 1463 sends ash 6 km high in Russia’s Kamchatka; linked to recent 8.8 magnitude quake, aviation alert issued, no threat to populated areas.

In a rare geological event, the Krasheninnikov Volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted early today, marking its first eruption in nearly 600 years. The plume of ash soared between 4 and 6 kilometres above sea level and drifted roughly 75 kilometres eastward toward the Pacific Ocean. Authorities have issued an orange aviation warning due to the hazard the ash poses to aircraft, though thankfully, no populated areas are currently at risk.

Located approximately 200 km north of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky, the volcano stands at an elevation of 1,856 metres. During the eruption, lava flowed approximately 2.7 km down its southwestern slope, while continuous seismic activity raised concerns that the eruption may be linked to an earlier 8.7–8.8 magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks. This seismic disturbance previously triggered regional tsunami warnings, though they have since been rescinded.

This eruption is the first recorded since around 1463, according to the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT). It occurred in a region known for seismic and volcanic activity—the Eastern Volcanic Belt, which includes about 300 volcanoes, with 29 still classified as active, per NASA’s Earth Observatory.

Klyuchevskoy is about 280 miles (450 kilometers) north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital city. (Image credit: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Geologists note that this eruption coincided with other geological events in the region: Kamchatka’s tallest volcano, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, also erupted earlier in the week, with visible lava flowing from its western slopes, as reported by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Kamchatka geophysical service.

Despite the dramatic visuals, officials have confirmed there is no immediate danger to residents. The Kronotsky Nature Reserve, which houses the volcano, described the surrounding terrain as a volcanic wasteland—comprising cinder and lava fields with minimal vegetation. They also confirmed there is no threat of wildfire. Reserve staff, infrastructure, and nearby settlements are considered safe, under constant scientific monitoring.

While extremely rare, the eruption of Krasheninnikov is not entirely unexpected, as it is one of the eight active volcanoes in the Kronotsky Reserve. As acting director Vsevolod Yakovlev explained, “Its eruption is not unusual in a region known for high volcanic activity.”

Local authorities are urging residents and visitors to maintain distance from other active volcanoes in the area and stay alert to any updated advisories. Readings show that Sunday’s 7.0 magnitude quake near the Kuril Islands could have generated up to 18 cm (7 inches) tsunami waves, reinforcing the need for caution even in remote zones.

The Kamchatka Peninsula remains a vital area of study within the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a major zone of tectonic activity where oceanic and continental plates converge, producing regular seismic and volcanic events.