Series of Strong Earthquakes Rock Eastern Russia
On Sunday, a series of powerful earthquakes struck off the eastern coast of Russia, triggering widespread concern across the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors began with magnitudes of 5.0 and 6.7, but a major 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit later, around 1:49 PM Pakistan Standard Time.
Tsunami Warning Issued
Following the 7.4 magnitude quake, the USGS issued a tsunami warning, predicting that dangerous tsunami waves could impact coastal areas of Russia. The agency stated that waves between 30 centimeters to 1 meter (up to 3.3 feet) could hit parts of the Russian coastline.
Waves Expected in Japan and Hawaii
Although the threat level was lower, the USGS forecasted minor wave activity (less than 30 centimeters) in coastal areas of Japan and the US state of Hawaii, warning citizens to remain alert and follow local safety guidelines.
Epicenter Details
The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 150 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, in the Pacific Ocean, a highly seismic area due to the convergence of tectonic plates.
Aftershocks and Seismic Activity
The region experienced multiple aftershocks, including another quake with a magnitude of 6.7. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that tsunami waves as high as 60 cm were expected in the Commander Islands in the southwest Bering Sea, and between 15 to 40 cm along the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Seismically Active Region
The Kamchatka region is located at the junction of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone zones on the planet. Since 1900, at least seven major earthquakes exceeding 8.3 in magnitude have struck this region.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities in the affected areas are closely monitoring the situation. No casualties or significant damage had been reported at the time of writing, but local governments urged residents to remain vigilant.