Magnitude 6.9 to 7.0 Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka

A magnitude 6.9 to 7.0 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka region on October 16, according to preliminary and revised estimates from seismic agencies. The tremor was centered in the peninsula’s far east, and no casualties or significant damage had been confirmed in the initial reporting. The United States Geological Survey initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.9 and located its epicentre 76 kilometres northeast of Ozernovskiy. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported an initial magnitude of 7.0 and a depth of about 140 kilometres. Later estimates cited in reporting put the magnitude at 6.9. The figures reflect preliminary and revised assessments rather than a confirmed final measurement. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued an early warning estimating a magnitude of 9.9, then withdrew it within minutes after further analysis, according to one report. The warning forecast strong shaking across parts of northern, eastern and central Japan. The agency’s estimate was erroneous; it was not a revised measurement of the Kamchatka earthquake. The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat following the tremor. The initial...