An earthquake has occurred off Russia’s eastern coast.
According to The United States Geological Survey, it measured 7.0 in magnitude.
– In this area there could be a smaller tsunami, but not that big. It probably won’t be anything catastrophic, pthe eismologist says Björn Lund.
The earthquake occurred in the sea a few miles off the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. A tsunami warning has been issued by the US National Weather Service.
– It has occurred at a depth of 50 kilometers, so it is a bit down, says seismologist Björn Lund.
Russian state news agency Tass reports that residents in the region fled their homes due to the tremors. According to the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, rescue workers are inspecting buildings after the quake. The governor in the region also states that there are several aftershocks.
The seismologist: Does not rule out damage
The closest big city to the earthquake is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, where just under 200,000 people live.
– The earthquake is quite close to the coast, a couple of miles outside and Petropavlovsk is nine miles away, so it may have shaken a bit there, says Björn Lund.
Although he does not believe that it will result in a major tsunami, he does not rule out that it could cause damage.
– There may be injuries, but hopefully not too bad.
“Probably nothing catastrophic”
The area near the earthquake is relatively sparsely populated, and according to Björn Lund, the earthquake and a possible tsunami will mainly affect the immediate area.
– In this area there could be a smaller tsunami, but not that big. It probably won’t be anything catastrophic, says Björn Lund,