A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Saturday, shaking the region once again. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit about 111 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 39 km. Authorities confirmed there is no tsunami threat.
This earthquake is the strongest aftershock since the massive 8.8-magnitude quake that hit Kamchatka on July 29. That earlier quake caused significant concern, triggering tsunami waves and damaging military facilities. Saturday’s tremor adds to an already active seismic season in the region.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center first issued a potential alert but later withdrew it. Japan’s Meteorological Agency also confirmed no tsunami risk for the Japanese coast. Officials said no evacuation is required at this time.
The July earthquake had forced evacuations and damaged Russia’s Rybachiy naval base, home to nuclear submarines. It also triggered tsunami waves up to four meters high. Since then, Kamchatka has experienced several major tremors, showing continued seismic instability.
No casualties or major damage have been reported from the latest quake. However, authorities are monitoring the area closely and urging residents to remain cautious due to ongoing aftershocks.