PETROPAVOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck in the Pacific off the far eastern coast of Russia near a major naval base early Sunday, but there were no early reports of damage or injuries.
The quake prompted a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
The earthquake occurred 18 miles (29 kilometers) below the surface and its epicenter was about 63 miles (102 kilometers) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is a port city of more than 181,000 people surrounded by volcanoes and sits across a bay from an important Russian submarine base.
The U.S. National Weather Service’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu initially warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coasts within 300 miles (480 kilometers) of the earthquake epicenter, but later announced the threat had ended.
The center said minor sea level fluctuations could occur in some coastal areas near the earthquake site for several hours.
A powerful earthquake struck the far east coast of Russia on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the region. The earthquake, which measured a magnitude of 7.5, hit the remote Kamchatka Peninsula, a sparsely populated area known for its rugged terrain and volcanic activity.
Despite the strength of the earthquake, no damage has been reported in the region. The earthquake struck at a depth of 56 kilometers (35 miles) below the surface, which likely helped to minimize its impact on the surface. Additionally, the remote location of the earthquake’s epicenter likely contributed to the lack of damage, as there are few buildings or infrastructure in the immediate vicinity.
The earthquake was felt as far away as the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital of Kamchatka, where residents reported feeling strong shaking. However, there have been no reports of injuries or damage in the city.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in the region, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone of seismic activity that stretches around the Pacific Ocean. The region is also home to numerous active volcanoes, including the famous Klyuchevskaya Sopka, which is one of the tallest volcanoes in the world.
While this earthquake did not cause any damage, it serves as a reminder of the potential for seismic activity in the region. Residents and officials in Kamchatka will likely be on high alert in the coming days, as aftershocks are common following a large earthquake.
Overall, the lack of damage reported after this powerful earthquake striking the far east coast of Russia is a positive outcome. It highlights the importance of building codes and infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone areas, as well as the need for preparedness and response plans in the event of a major seismic event.
