Powerful 7.8 earthquake rattles region, authorities sound tsunami warning

Moscow / Kamchatka (The Uttam Hindu): A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off the eastern coast of Kamchatka, Russia on Friday morning, triggering a tsunami warning. The quake was followed by at least five aftershocks, the strongest measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. Waves between 30 and 62 centimeters were reported along the coastline though no major destruction has been confirmed so far.

Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov said all emergency services have been placed on high alert. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as four major tremors with magnitudes of 7.0 or higher have been recorded in the region in recent days.

Residents reported strong shaking, and videos circulating on social media showed household furniture, ceiling lights and even parked vehicles swaying during the tremors.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located 128 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers which increased the intensity of the quake. Later, Russia’s State Geophysical Service revised the earthquake’s strength to 7.4.

While no casualties have been reported, authorities have urged coastal residents to remain cautious amid the continuing risk of aftershocks.