Volcanic eruption sparks Bogdanovich glacier melting fears in Russia’s Kamchatka

Authorities in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula have issued warnings about a growing threat to one of the region’s largest glaciers as a lava flow from the erupting Klyuchevskoy volcano moves toward the Bogdanovich glacier. The development has raised concerns over the potential for mudflows and explosive volcanic activity.

According to a report from the Kamchatka Volcanoes natural park network, the lava is descending the volcano’s southwestern slope and has now reached a length of 1.5 kilometers. Experts warn that if it continues on its path and melts the Bogdanovich glacier, it could lead to significant mudflows, particularly in the Studenaya River bed.

“The eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano could lead to the melting of one of the largest glaciers on the peninsula,” the park network noted on its Telegram channel. “The lava flow is descending the southwestern slope of the volcano and moving toward the Bogdanovich glacier. Its melting could trigger mudflows in the Studenaya River bed.”

The situation is further complicated by the risk of phreatic explosions—violent steam blasts caused by the rapid evaporation of water from snowfields and glaciers. These explosions could eject ash up to 10 kilometres into the atmosphere, posing a hazard to aviation and nearby settlements. Additionally, lahars—volcanic mudflows formed from the mixture of water and volcanic debris—may rapidly descend the slopes.

A similar eruption in 2023 caused extensive damage. At that time, pyroclastic flows—deadly currents of hot gases, ash, and rock fragments—melted both the Bogdanovich and Erman glaciers. The Erman glacier disappeared entirely, and the Bogdanovich was reduced to a mere stream. Lahars that formed during that eruption flowed through the Sukhaya and Studenaya riverbeds, damaging nearby roads.

The current eruption of Klyuchevskoy began on July 30, coinciding with a powerful earthquake. Since then, the Kamchatka Territory branch of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has recorded multiple aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 6.7. Some tremors were felt in residential areas with intensities of 2 to 5 on the local scale.

The Emergency Situations Ministry has established temporary accommodation centres in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and the Yelizovsky district, where 190 people are currently staying. Psychological support is being provided to those affected.

In light of increased seismic and volcanic activity, the regional emergency services have urged residents and tourists to avoid visiting active volcanoes, including Avachinsky, Bezymyanny, Shiveluch, Klyuchevskoy, and Karymsky.

By Tamilla Hasanova