Vladivostok, Aug 7: The Klyuchevskoy Volcano in Russia’s Far East has triggered the highest aviation alert after its eruptive activity intensified, prompting serious concerns among scientists and aviation authorities. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has upgraded the alert level from orange to red, citing ongoing summit explosive-effusive eruptions.
According to KVERT, satellite data shows volcanic ash columns reaching up to 9.5 km above sea level, with plumes drifting over 140 km east-southeast. The agency warned that ash explosions up to 10 km could happen without warning, posing significant risks to international and low-flying aircraft in the region.
Standing at 4,754 metres, Klyuchevskoy is Eurasia’s tallest active volcano. The ongoing activity follows a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula last week, believed to have intensified volcanic activity in the region.
The volcanic activity has already started affecting nearby infrastructure. On August 6, a dam near the volcano, constructed in 2023 to control the Studenaya River’s flow, collapsed. Scientists from the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the collapse allowed water to flow uncontrollably through both river channels, increasing the threat of flooding.
Lava flows from Klyuchevskoy are also descending toward the Bogdanovich Glacier, accelerating the glacier’s melt. The resulting surge of meltwater is creating dangerous mud and debris flows, which are cascading down the volcano’s slopes.
Experts warn that if this activity continues, it could pose a direct threat to tourists in the Tolbachinsky Valley and significantly disrupt transportation routes in the region. Authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring both the volcanic and seismic conditions.
