Kamchatka, Sept 19 (V7N) – A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Russia’s Far East, impacting the Kamchatka Peninsula on Friday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the quake originated 128 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the administrative center of the region, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface.
 
The seismic event caused significant tremors across the peninsula, and residents reported strong shaking in several towns and villages. Although no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage have been confirmed, authorities have urged people in the region to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, particularly in coastal areas where tsunami risks exist following earthquakes of this magnitude.
 
Kamchatka is located within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a highly active seismic zone prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Historically, the region has experienced several large quakes, some of which have triggered tsunamis along the Pacific coastline. Experts warn that aftershocks, potentially strong, may follow in the hours or days after the main quake.
 
Local emergency services and geological agencies have been activated to assess any infrastructure damage and monitor for potential secondary hazards. Residents in low-lying coastal areas were advised to temporarily move to higher ground as a precaution, even though no official tsunami warning has yet been issued.
 
Seismologists continue to monitor the situation closely, noting that shallow earthquakes like this one tend to be more strongly felt on the surface and can cause localized damage. Authorities also emphasized public awareness and preparedness, urging people to avoid panic and follow official guidance.
 
The earthquake underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Kamchatka and surrounding regions to seismic activity, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
 
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