Russia earthquake: Klyuchevskoy volcano erupts in far east; no casualties yet

The Klyuchevskoy volcano in Russia's far east erupted on Wednesday, hours after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting evacuations and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific region, Russia’s Geological Survey said according to news agency AFP.

The Survey posted an update on Telegram along with images showing activity at the volcano - “the Klyuchevskoy is erupting right now,” the agency said.


“Red-hot lava is observed flowing down the western slope. There is a powerful glow above the volcano and explosions,” it added reported AFP.

The volcano, one of the tallest and most active in Eurasia, began spewing lava and ash shortly after the region was hit by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake. The tremor, which struck earlier in the day, led to tsunami warnings being issued for parts of Russia's Pacific coastline, as well for many surrounding countries and regions including Japan and the US.

Multiple evacuations have taken place in affected areas as a precaution, although no casualties have been reported.

Authorities are closely monitoring both the seismic and volcanic activity in the region. The Russian ministry of emergency situations has advised residents and travellers to avoid the affected areas due to potential risks from ongoing eruptions and aftershocks.