7.0 Quake Hits Kuril Islands, Volcano Erupts, Tsunami Possible in Kamchatka

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kuril Islands, prompting tsunami alerts for three areas of the Kamchatka Peninsula, though the expected wave heights were low and no official tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning System. This seismic event coincided with the first eruption in 600 years of the Krasheninnikov Volcano in Kamchatka, which sent an ash plume 6,000 meters high drifting eastward over unpopulated areas. Scientists believe both the earthquake and volcanic eruptions, including that of Klyuchevskoy volcano earlier, are connected and related to the region's recent intense seismic activity. Russian authorities have cautioned residents to stay away from shorelines despite the low wave projections, as strong aftershocks remain possible in the coming weeks. The eruption marks a significant geological event, with the Krasheninnikov Volcano's last known lava activity occurring around the year 1463. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely to assess ongoing risks to the region.