In a dramatic turn of events, one of Russia's most active volcanoes, Shiveluch, has erupted on the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. The eruption sent plumes of ash soaring 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky, creating a stunning visual display that caught the attention of many.
The volcanic activity was preceded by a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off Kamchatka's east coast. This seismic event set off a chain reaction, leading to the eruption of Shiveluch and another volcano, Ebeko, located on the Kuril Islands. The ash cloud from Shiveluch extended over 490 kilometers (304 miles) to the east and southeast, while Ebeko spewed ash 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) high.
