- A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck 118 kilometers east of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia, early Saturday UTC.
- The quake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers beneath the Pacific seabed, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
- There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
- No tsunami warning has been issued so far.
- The Kuril Islands region is known for frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate subduction.
The Big Picture
A significant undersea earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck near Russia’s Kuril Islands early Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at approximately 05:37 UTC on August 3 and was centered about 118 kilometers east of Severo-Kuril’sk, a remote town located in the Russian Far East.
The quake’s depth was measured at 35 kilometers, indicating a shallow but potentially strong seismic event. While powerful, the offshore location likely reduced the risk of major structural damage or casualties on land.
What Officials Are Saying
As of this report, there has been no official statement from Russian emergency services regarding injuries or infrastructure damage. Authorities are continuing to monitor the area, but no tsunami alerts have been issued by regional or global warning centers.
— as posted by USGS
What’s Next
Seismologists are reviewing aftershock potential in the region, which lies along the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire”—an arc of seismic fault lines where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. Residents of nearby islands and coastal areas are advised to stay alert for official safety updates.
The Bottom Line
Though the magnitude 6.8 quake off Russia’s Kuril Islands rattled the seafloor early Saturday, its remote location and depth helped minimize immediate danger. Experts continue to assess any residual risks.
⚠️ This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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