On August 18, 2024, the Shiveluch volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted strongly, sending a large ash cloud 5 kilometers into the sky. This eruption followed a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, which occurred off the east coast of Kamchatka. The ash cloud led to a “code red” alert for aircraft, warning of potential dangers to flights. Despite this, no commercial flights were canceled, and there was no damage to airport facilities. The ash cloud spread 490 kilometers east and southeast, causing worry among local people and officials. Additionally, the Ebeko volcano on the Kuril Islands erupted, sending ash 2.5 kilometers into the air. Experts from the Russian Institute of Volcanology and Seismology mentioned that these volcanic eruptions might be linked to recent seismic activity, though the exact connection is unclear. Scientists have warned that ongoing seismic activity could indicate a larger earthquake, possibly reaching a magnitude of 9.0, similar to the severe earthquake that hit Kamchatka on November 4, 1952.