Russian volcano erupts triggering ash cloud alert for aircraft amid stronger second earthquake warning

A volcano has erupted after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula, putting aircraft on alert, Report informs referring to the Independent.

The quake, which occurred at 7.10am local time (8.10pm on Saturday in the UK), struck at a depth of 18 miles and caused “severe shaking” to buildings in the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

It happened near a major naval base but there were no early reports of damage or injuries. The quake prompted a tsunami warning that was later lifted.

Russian scientists have warned that tremors in the area may be a prelude to an even stronger earthquake. The Institute of Volcanology said a potential second quake could come “within 24 hours” with a magnitude approaching 9.0.

According to the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), aircraft have been issued a “red” code warning due to the significant amount of ash in the atmosphere.

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Tokyo has warned that “explosive activity” is continuing.