8.7-magnitude earthquake strikes off Russia’s eastern coast, tsunami warning issued

A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula on Russia’s east coast on Wednesday morning, prompting a tsunami warning. Reuters reports. The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was 12 miles below the surface. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the tsunami could cause waves up to 10 feet high along the east and northeast coasts. A tsunami could also hit Kamchatka. Meanwhile, the US Tsunami Warning System has warned that a “hazardous tsunami wave” could hit some coasts in Russia, Japan, Alaska and Hawaii within the next three hours. A tsunami watch is also in effect for Guam and other island regions in Micronesia. Earlier, on July 20, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of Russia.