Strong 7.8-Magnitude Quake Strikes Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

Lead: A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck 127 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at 6:58 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18, triggering a brief tsunami advisory before it was lifted.

Nut Graf: The remote Kamchatka region, known for frequent seismic activity, saw no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Local authorities activated emergency teams as four significant aftershocks followed the main tremor.

Details of the Main Shock

• Epicenter: 127 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka Peninsula
• Magnitude & Depth: 7.8 at 10 km depth
• Time: 6:58 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18 (local)

Aftershocks

• Four recorded, ranging from magnitude 5.1 to 5.8
• Strongest aftershock measured 5.8 on the Richter scale

Tsunami Advisory

• Issued immediately for nearby Pacific coasts
• Canceled by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center shortly after initial warning

Regional Response

Local Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed that all emergency response teams were on high alert but reported no damage or injuries. He urged residents to remain cautious near coastal areas until aftershock activity subsides.