A Severe Earthquake
This latest earthquake seen in Russia occurred about 63 miles east of the coastal city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This town has a population of 180,000.
Source: Sasha Panarin/Unsplash
The U.S. Geological Survey revealed that the 7.0 magnitude quake occurred about 18 miles below the Earth’s surface.
Where This Earthquake Occurred
So far, there have been no reports of any major damages after this earthquake, and it appears that there have been no injuries.
Source: Sasha Panarin/Unsplash
This earthquake also occurred near a major naval base and happened on August 17.
Volcanoes and Naval Bases
Notably, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is located across a bay from a vitally important submarine base for the country.
Source: kuhnmi/Wikimedia Commons
This port town also happens to be surrounded by various volcanoes — now which have caused something of a problem for this region.
Tsunami Warnings
After this earthquake rocked this area of Russia, officials in the region quickly warned that tsunamis could be seen within 300 miles of this quake’s epicenter.
Source: Emiliano Arano/Pexels
The U.S. National Weather Service’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu made this initial announcement, as tsunami waves could travel far because of this earthquake. However, these warnings were eventually lifted once there was no longer a threat.
Sea Fluctuations
Though the tsunami warnings were lifted, officials did explain that coastal areas near this quake site could experience minor sea fluctuations.
Source: Imthiyaz Syed/Pexels
These experts stated that these sea fluctuations could be seen in this region for the next several hours. However, no tsunami would threaten these areas.
A Sudden Volcano Eruption
After these tsunami warnings subsided, another warning was put in place. Thanks to this 7.0 magnitude earthquake, a volcano in eastern Russia erupted.
Source: Pierre Markuse/Wikimedia Commons
According to TASS, a Russian news agency, the Shiveluch volcano, which is located in the Kamchatka region, began to erupt after the earthquake rocked the area.
A Dangerous Volcano
This volcano eruption is currently ongoing and could potentially become a dangerous situation for those who live in the region.
Source: Stranneek/Wikimedia Commons
The Shiveluch volcano is about 280 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. However, experts have warned that the ash being emitted from the volcano could become a real problem.
An Ongoing Volcano Eruption
According to the scientists who talked to TASS, the volcano’s ash column is currently about five miles above sea level.
Source: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2022/Wikimedia Commons
Meanwhile, the volcano is also releasing gushes of lava, combined with this massive ash column.
How This May Affect Residents
Russian officials have stated that this volcano likely won’t majorly impact any residents who live in the general area.
Source: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
However, they did state that ashfalls may be seen in nearby towns where many people live. This may be the only impact that Russians see in their day-to-day lives.
An Active Volcano
The Shiveluch volcano is considered to be one of Russia’s most active volcanoes. Shiveluch has erupted before, including recently in 2022.
Source: Norexy art/Pexels
However, the last major eruption was experienced in 2007. In the last 10,000 years, this volcano alone has erupted about 60 times.
Red Warnings for Aircraft
Aircraft flying in the region have been given a “red” code warning. This means that all craft should be on the highest alert, thanks to all of the ash that is now in the atmosphere.
Source: SLON V KASHE/Unsplash
Other countries in the region have noted that the volcano’s plume could extend to 930 miles in the east and south.