Kamchatskenergo announced that electricity supply in parts of Kamchatka was interrupted due to a substantial ashfall covering the settlements of Kozyrevsk and Maiskoye. The disruption was confirmed by local energy authorities as they worked to assess the scale of the ash impact and its effects on infrastructure. Residents experienced a temporary loss of power as teams began evaluating transmission lines and substations affected by the ash remnants. The situation underscored how volcanic activity can directly influence regional utilities and daily life in remote communities.
Officials reported that heavy ash and sleet in the village of Kozyrevsk and the nearby area of Maiskoye led to protective measures within the electrical network. At 08:25 local time, Maiskoye reported a power outage attributed to ash emitted by the Shiveluch volcano. By 09:50, similar interruptions were recorded in Kozyrevsk as ash accumulation and surface moisture intensified the strain on equipment. In response, technicians prioritized the safety of personnel and the restoration of service once the ash fall eased and the risk to insulators and lines diminished. The authorities noted ongoing monitoring and readiness to mobilize additional crews as conditions allowed for safe repairs and testing of the network after the weather improves.
The issuing agency stated that field teams are awaiting a window of calmer weather, linked to reduced ash emissions and snowfall, before carrying out cleaning of insulators and other critical components on power lines and in substations. This cleaning operation is essential to restore reliable service and prevent future outages caused by ash deposition, which can create conductive paths and increase the likelihood of equipment faults. The coordinated effort involves close communication among utility operators, meteorological services, and local emergency management agencies to minimize disruption and protect the public during the restoration work.
Earlier assessments by the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences indicated that the Shiveluch eruption underwent a paroxysmal phase overnight, characterized by intense eruptive activity and the descent of hot volcanic masses along the slopes. This progression signaled heightened volcanic danger and prompted authorities to heighten monitoring of aviation ash dispersal and to update hazard assessments in near-real-time for air traffic and regional residents. The activity remains a focal point for scientists studying volcanic behavior and its potential impact on nearby communities and infrastructure.
Subsequent observations noted that ash from the Shiveluch eruption extended along a broad northwest trajectory, reaching distances of about 500 kilometers from the volcano. This dispersion pattern informed aviation and weather services in their advisories and contributed to cautious planning for nearby settlements and transportation routes. The eruption had begun earlier, with initial emissions reaching substantial altitudes and dispersing ash over a wide area, yet authorities stressed that the current phase continues to require vigilance as volcanic activity can evolve rapidly and unpredictably. Officials also reiterated that the volcano remains active, and aviation authorities assigned the highest red alert level for aviation safety during peak emissions, guiding flight operations and deterring unnecessary air movements through the affected zone.