Moscow,September 19(HS): A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula early Friday, shaking buildings and triggering a tsunami warning for the region’s eastern coastline.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located 128 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, a factor known to intensify surface tremors. The Russian Geophysical Service registered the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 7.4 and confirmed at least five aftershocks in the hours following the initial tremor.

Authorities swiftly issued a tsunami alert, cautioning residents about the risk of hazardous waves along the rugged Pacific shoreline. Governor Vladimir Solodov urged calm in a Telegram message, noting that no damage or casualties had been reported so far.

The latest quake serves as another stark reminder of the region’s geological volatility, as emergency services remain on high alert for potential aftershocks and tsunami waves.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar