The Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Volcanology and Seismology released information about the ongoing ashfall from the Shiveluch volcano, which began on April 11 in the Kamchatka village of Klyuchi. This event is described as the most substantial ash emission observed in six decades, highlighting a significant surge in volcanic activity for the region.
According to the institute, Director Aleksey Ozerov confirmed that such a high level of ash deposition in the settlement nearest to Shiveluch had not been recorded since 1964. The ash layer now measures around 8.5 centimeters, and observers note that the ashfall continues to accumulate, enhancing concerns for residents and air quality in surrounding communities.
The press service of the institute emphasized that ashfall remains active in the villages of Klyuchi and Kozyrevsk, with dispersion patterns indicating widespread distribution across nearby landscapes. Meteoographic data and eyewitness reports corroborate persistent ash emissions and wind-driven travel of ash clouds, affecting local visibility, transportation, and daily life in Kamchatka’s northern coastline and interior settlements.
Earlier communications from the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far East Branch reported that ash from Shiveluch stretched several hundred kilometers to the northwest, illustrating the scale of plume reach. The eruption entered a paroxysmal stage on the night of April 11, with intense explosive activity and the occurrence of hot mass flows cascading down the volcano’s flanks in the local time frame.
Experts note that paroxysmal eruptions; characterized by rapid, violent expulsion of volcanic material and gas, pose heightened hazards for air travel, ash ingestion into engines, and respiratory risks for nearby populations. Local authorities have been coordinating with emergency services to monitor weather-driven ash transport, disseminate safety advisories, and guide residents on protective measures, including staying indoors, wearing protective masks when outdoors, and securing homes against ash buildup. Communities in Kamchatka continue to receive regular updates as scientists analyze ongoing seismic signals, ash concentration, and plume height to forecast future activity and potential mitigation steps.
Observers and researchers alike stress the importance of preparedness and clear communication during such events. While ash clouds can drift unpredictably, the prevailing data indicate a sustained plume with sufficient accumulation to affect air quality, surface deposition, and agricultural impacts in the region. The current situation underscores the critical role of volcanology centers in disseminating timely, accurate information to keep residents safe and informed about travel advisories, school closures, and health precautions as the eruption evolves.
In summarizing the situation, the institute notes that the sequence of explosive activity, ash dispersion, and ground deposition marks a significant phase in Shiveluch’s recent history. Ongoing monitoring — including satellite observations, ground-based sensors, and meteorological analysis — continues to guide risk assessments for communities and industries across Kamchatka while scientists assess the volcanic system’s behavior and potential future developments.