PETROPAVOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia: On Saturday, strong tremors from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake reverberated across Russia’s Kamchatka region. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 51 km (32 miles) on the eastern coast.
Shiveluch Volcano Eruption
Local media confirmed that Russia’s Shiveluch volcano erupted in response to the seismic activity. Lava and ash spewed forth, creating a dramatic scene in the Kamchatka region.
Ash Cloud Soars Eight Kilometers
Scientists monitoring the situation reported that the Shiveluch volcano had entered an eruptive phase. Visual assessments revealed an ash cloud rising an impressive eight kilometers above sea level.
Tsunami Warning and Reassurance
Following the earthquake, the US National Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert, warning of potential tsunami waves. However, the Kamchatka branch of the Russian Emergency Ministry quickly reassured residents that there was no imminent threat of a tsunami.
Minimal Damage Reported
Thankfully, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant property damage resulting from the earthquake. Although a tsunami warning was initially in place, it was later lifted.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky: A Volcanic Port City
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a port city with over 181,000 inhabitants, sits amidst a volcanic landscape. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu initially cautioned that dangerous waves could affect coastal areas within a 300-mile (480-kilometer) radius of the earthquake’s epicenter. However, subsequent updates confirmed that the threat had subsided, with only minor sea level fluctuations expected near the quake’s location.
Significant earthquakes in Russia:
- 1952 Kamchatka Earthquake (9.0 M w): This powerful megathrust earthquake struck 92 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka Peninsula. It remains the strongest recorded earthquake in Russia since 1900.
- 1963 Kuril Islands Earthquake (8.5 M w): The Kuril Islands experienced intense shaking, accompanied by a tsunami.
- 2006 Kamchatka Earthquake (7.6 M w): A major quake with significant impact, resulting in damage and a financial toll of $55 million.
- 2013 Okhotsk Sea Earthquake (8.3 M w): Notable in seismology, this event occurred in the Okhotsk Sea region.
- 2020 Kuril Islands Earthquake (7.5 M w): The Tsunami generated by this quake affected the Kuril Islands.
