In Kamchatka, they are preparing for the eruption of the Shiveluch volcano. Heavy ash ejection expected, air routes changed

In Kamchatka, a warning has been announced about the high likelihood of a powerful eruption of the Shiveluch volcano in the coming days, ash may fall on the territory of five regions of the peninsula, and tourists are asked not to approach the mountain. A warning released press service of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

“According to the conclusion of the general council of the IV&S on forecasting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the likelihood of a powerful eruption of Shiveluch volcano is increased in the coming days. The eruption can be accompanied by the rise of ash volcanic clouds up to 18 km above sea level, which poses a danger to aviation, as well as extended incandescent pyroclastic flows posing a threat to people nearby, ”the RAS said in a statement.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, ash falls are possible in Ust-Kamchatsky, Bystrinsky, Milkovsky, Karaginsky and Tigilsky districts. Residents and guests of the region are advised to refrain from traveling and hiking in the vicinity of Shiveluch.

The regional government has also advised the local airline to reroute for scheduled flights around the volcano. An orange aviation hazard code has been set for Shiveluch.

The increased activity of Shiveluch after a long “silence” became known in mid-August. The volcano is one of the largest in Kamchatka. It is located 45 km from the village of Klyuchi, Ust-Kamchatsky District, where about 5 thousand people live. The mountain range includes three main structures: the extinct Stary Shiveluch volcano, the ancient caldera and the active Young Shiveluch volcano, its age is estimated at 60-70 thousand years. The height of the lava dome of Young Shiveluch is 2.5 km.