Eruption of Volcano Sends Ash Columns Above Russian Peninsula

The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupts in Russia's northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far Eat, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuri Demyanchuk)
The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupts in Russia's northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far Eat, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuri Demyanchuk)
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Eruption of Volcano Sends Ash Columns Above Russian Peninsula

The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupts in Russia's northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far Eat, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuri Demyanchuk)
The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupts in Russia's northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far Eat, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuri Demyanchuk)

Huge ash columns erupted from Eurasia's tallest active volcano Wednesday, forcing authorities to close schools in two towns on Russia's sparsely populated Kamchatka Peninsula.
The eruptions from the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano sent ash as high as 13 kilometers (8 miles) above sea level, The Associated Press quoted officials as saying.
There were no reports of injuries, but officials ordered schools in Ust-Kamchatsk and Klyuchy closed as a precaution. Each town has a population of about 5,000. Klyuchy is located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the volcano and Ust-Kamchatsk 50 kilometers (30 miles) away.
The 4,650-meter (15,255-foot) stratovolcano has been active in recent years and released lava in June.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, which extends into the Pacific Ocean about 6,700 kilometers (4,100 miles) east of Moscow, is noted for its array of active and dormant volcanoes, geysers and geothermal springs.



26 Endangered Animals Find New Home in Saudi Arabia’s Soudah

The initiative aims to boost the region's biodiversity and tourism as part of a broader program to reintroduce wildlife and restore ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. SPA
The initiative aims to boost the region's biodiversity and tourism as part of a broader program to reintroduce wildlife and restore ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. SPA
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26 Endangered Animals Find New Home in Saudi Arabia’s Soudah

The initiative aims to boost the region's biodiversity and tourism as part of a broader program to reintroduce wildlife and restore ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. SPA
The initiative aims to boost the region's biodiversity and tourism as part of a broader program to reintroduce wildlife and restore ecosystems in Saudi Arabia. SPA

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and Soudah Development released 26 endangered animals into their natural habitat in the Soudah region.

This initiative aims to boost the region's biodiversity and tourism as part of a broader program to reintroduce wildlife and restore ecosystems in Saudi Arabia.

NCW’s CEO Dr. Mohammad Qurban explained that the release follows biodiversity studies in national parks to assess the impact of such efforts. The center monitors wildlife in protected areas using technology to track populations and understand the challenges they face.

Soudah Development has announced environmental initiatives to enrich biodiversity and attract 2 million annual visitors by 2030.