Explosive eruption at Sheveluch sends ash to 12 km (39 400 feet), Red aviation code issued, Russia

Satellite image of ash cloud rising over Sheveluch volcano, Russia at UTC on June 6, 2026. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, Zoom Earth, The Watchers The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) issued a Volcanic Activity Notice at UTC, increasing the Aviation Color Code for Sheveluch from Orange to Red. The observatory reported that the explosive-extrusive eruption continued, accompanied -and-steam activity, while a new lava block continued to grow in the northern sector of the lava dome. Tokyo VAAC reported ash rising to about 12.2 km (40 000 feet), at UTC. Satellite observations showed the ash cloud drifting east of the volcano, while KVERT reported the ash plume about 10 km (6 miles) east of Sheveluch at UTC. In a subsequent notice issued at UTC, KVERT maintained the Red aviation color code and reported volcanic cloud height at 10 km (32 800 feet) above sea level. The agency said ash had moved about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of the volcano based on Himawari-9 satellite data. 🌋 One of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes has erupted, sending a 12-kilometer ash plume into the sky The Shiveluch volcano in Russia’s Kamchatka region has entered a new phase of activity, prompting authorities to issue a red aviation alert. The ash cloud has stretched for… pic. twitter. com/3OKH2ReqVF — NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 6, 2026 According to KVERT, ash explosions to 12 km (39 400 feet) above sea level could occur at any time, and ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft. Sheveluch is one of Kamchatka’s most active volcanoes and has produced repeated ash-rich explosive episodes capable of disrupting aviation across the North Pacific region. References: 1 Volcanic activity notices for Sheveluch – KVERT – June 6, 2026 Teo Blašković I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers. news.