In a dramatic chain of disasters, Russia’s mighty Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted just hours after a record‑shattering 8.8‑magnitude earthquake shook the Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
In a jaw‑dropping sequence of nature’s fury, the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere — Klyuchevskoy — erupted on Wednesday, just hours after a massive 8.8‑magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast.
The Russian Academy of Sciences’ United Geophysical Service confirmed that lava is now cascading down the western slope of the volcano, accompanied by blazing glows, violent explosions, and an enormous ash column soaring three kilometers into the sky.
“A descent of burning hot lava is observed on the western slope. Powerful glow above the volcano, explosions,” the academy reported on Telegram, describing a scene of raw geological power.
Predicted — Yet Shockingly Timed
While scientists had forecast a likely eruption in recent weeks, the timing — mere hours after the devastating quake — has stunned experts.
The earthquake’s epicenter lay beneath the Pacific off the Kamchatka Peninsula, rocking cities, damaging buildings, and knocking out power in towns including Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky. Residents reported intense shaking and rushed evacuations as emergency sirens blared.
Tsunami Warnings Across the Pacific
The seismic shock unleashed a wave of tsunami alerts across the Pacific Rim:
- Russia, Japan, New Zealand, and California issued warnings
- Hawaii recorded waves up to 6 feet (1.8m)
- California saw surges of 3.6 feet (1.1m)
A Quake for the Record Books
The quake ranks as:
- The strongest globally in 14 years
- The sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded
Its sheer force, combined with the volcanic eruption, marks one of the most dramatic geological events in modern history.
