Three earthquakes hit Kamchatka in one day: tsunami warning issued

The Kamchatka Peninsula, located in the eastern part of Russia, has once again become the center of powerful seismic activity. According to the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, several earthquakes occurred in the region on July 20.

Experts reported that the first quake was recorded at 18:28 local time (08:28 Tashkent time) with a magnitude of 6.7. Just 20 minutes later, another earthquake struck — this time with a magnitude of 7.2. Another tremor of magnitude 6.7 was recorded 20 minutes later.

According to geophysicists, the epicenters of all three earthquakes were located 160–169 kilometers from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and at a depth of just 5 kilometers. This means the tremors were strongly felt and pose a potential danger.

Notably, the Kamchatka branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences initially reported a magnitude of 7.6, but later clarified the data — the official magnitude is now confirmed to be 7.2. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey reported several earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 off the Kamchatka coast.

In the following hours, more than ten aftershocks were recorded, ranging in magnitude from 4.2 to 6.3. This indicates that seismic activity has not yet subsided.

According to reports from local residents, homes shook violently during the earthquakes, and furniture fell inside apartments. According to the Baza outlet, preliminary reports indicate no injuries.

At present, a tsunami warning has been issued for several settlements in Kamchatka. According to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, the height of the potential wave could reach around 60 cm. “Do not approach the shore or attempt to watch the waves. It may not be safe,” warned officials.

Kamchatka region governor Vladimir Solodov stated on his Telegram channel that the first wave’s expected time has passed — no tsunami was observed in any populated area. Nonetheless, the situation remains tense. Seismologists do not rule out the possibility of new tremors.

These events once again confirm that Kamchatka is a seismically active region. Such powerful natural trials demand constant readiness and responsibility from both the population and specialists. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!