The Shiveluch volcano in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted on Tuesday, sending an ash plume up to 10 kilometers high and posing a threat to air traffic. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) issued a code red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation, warning that ash plumes could reach up to 15 kilometers at any time and advising that ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft. The cloud drifted to the west and south, measuring 400 by 270 kilometers, and local authorities closed schools while residents were ordered to stay indoors. The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that ashfall was measured at 8.5 centimeters, the highest level in 60 years. The Shiveluch volcano has erupted over 60 times in the last 10,000 years, with the last major eruption reported in 2007. It is part of the “Ring of Fire,” a vast belt of Earth known for frequent earthquakes and eruptions, and Kamchatka is home to 29 active volcanoes.
