Powerful 7.8-Magnitude Quake Strikes Kamchatka, Shakes Central Papua and Chile

Lead: A magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Friday, prompting tsunami alerts, while magnitude 6.1 and 5.5 tremors rattled Central Papua, Indonesia, and northern Chile, respectively.

Nut Graf: Friday’s seismic events highlight intense tectonic activity along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” affecting communities from Kamchatka’s coastline to New Guinea and the Atacama region. Swift warnings and emergency responses averted major damage, underscoring preparedness in these hotspots.

Major quake in Russia’s Far East

When and where: 06:58 AM Kamchatka Time off Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Details: USGS recorded the tremor at 10 km depth, with four strong aftershocks up to magnitude 5.8.
Response: Governor Vladimir Solodov ordered emergency teams on high alert; residents reported no significant damage.
Tsunami alert: Waves up to 62 cm reached coastal areas before warnings were lifted.

6.1-Magnitude Shock in Central Papua

Occurred at 03:19 AM local time, 28 km south of Nabire, Central Papua, Indonesia.
Characteristics: Depth of 10 km, moderate shaking felt by thousands.
Impact: No casualties reported; local authorities monitored aftershocks and structural safety.

5.5-Magnitude Earthquake Near Iquique, Chile

Struck at 01:55 AM Santiago Time, 90 km east of Iquique, Tarapacá Region.
Depth: 94 km, producing moderate intensity (Mercalli V) across a wide area.
Felt by: Approximately 680,000 people; no damage or tsunami risk owing to inland epicenter.

Other Notable Seismic Activity

Multiple aftershocks (M 5.2-5.7) off Kamchatka’s coast throughout Friday morning.
Minor tremors (M 2.7-3.4) in Japan’s Tokara Islands, causing no damage or tsunami risk.

Emergency agencies continue to monitor the Pacific Rim’s seismic zones, urging residents to follow safety protocols and stay informed via official channels.