Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Hits Kamchatka Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, near the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, prompting tsunami warnings for nearby coastlines. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of around 25 to 39 kilometers and is identified as the largest aftershock following a devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the region on July 29, 2025. Authorities warned of possible hazardous tsunami waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter and urged caution, although no immediate reports of casualties or serious damage have been confirmed. The earthquake is part of ongoing seismic activity along the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone, where tectonic plates converge, increasing concerns about aftershocks and regional stability. Residents experienced panic and evacuations, especially near coastlines and public places, but official reports have not detailed extensive injuries or structural damage. This event underscores the region's vulnerability to significant seismic hazards and the continuing risk of tsunamis following the recent series of strong earthquakes.