Series of Earthquakes Hit Russia’s Far East; Tsunami Warning Issued Then Lifted | WPN World People News

According to AFP, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that three major earthquakes struck off the coast of Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on the 20th. The strongest quake reached a magnitude of 7.4, initially triggering a tsunami warning, which was later lifted.

The USGS stated that the quakes occurred near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, beginning with two tremors of magnitudes 5.0 and 6.7, which did not prompt any alerts. However, a powerful 7.4-magnitude quake followed approximately 20 minutes later. Its epicenter was located 144 kilometers offshore from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 20 kilometers. Authorities issued warnings for a potential "hazardous tsunami" along a 300-kilometer stretch of the Pacific coastline near the epicenter.

Subsequent monitoring data indicated that the tsunami threat had diminished, and the related warnings were lifted. No significant damage or casualties were reported. Nevertheless, experts urged local residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks or other secondary hazards.