Massive Volcanic Eruption in Russia's Far East Causes Ash Blanket

The Shiveluch volcano on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula erupted, spewing ash clouds up to 20 kilometers high and covering a vast area with ash. The ash cloud extended over 500 kilometers northwest, closing the skies over the area to aircraft and leading to power cuts in two villages. Although there is no need for mass evacuation, some residents with health issues may be temporarily evacuated. The Kamchatka Peninsula is one of the world's most concentrated areas of geothermal activity, with about 30 active volcanoes.