Powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Russia’s Kamchatka

KAMCHATKA: A strong offshore earthquake measuring 6.4 struck off the eastern coast of the Kamchatka region in Russia on Tuesday. A 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Sunday lead to tsunami warning being issued that were later lifted after evaluations showed no significant wave activity.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the quake was at a depth of 28 kilometres.

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Authorities in Russia on Sunday quickly issued tsunami alerts advising coastal residents to evacuate or move to higher ground. Warnings extended beyond Russia, reaching Pacific locations including Hawaii.

Waves of up to 60 centimetres were initially feared.

Following detailed monitoring, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre and Russian emergency officials cancelled the alerts after considering that no major tsunami waves developed.

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along a highly active tectonic boundary where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate.

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The region, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, is known for frequent and powerful seismic events.

No immediately casualties or damage was reported.

Authorities in Russia continued to monitoring for aftershocks after the earthquake subsided. They talked about the importance of being prepared in such a volatile seismic zone.