A magnitude 7 earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. Soon afterwards, Japan’s weather agency sent out an early warning that put the quake at a magnitude of 9.9, far above what was actually measured.
There was no immediate tsunami threat, and details on damage or casualties were not available at the time of reporting.
What the seismological data shows?
According to the EMSC, the quake occurred at a depth of 140 km (about 87 miles). Its epicentre was around 123 km southwest of Vilyuchinsk, in Russia’s Far East. The seismic event was recorded at around 3:35 pm local time.
The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no danger following the tremors, and no tsunami alert was issued in the immediate aftermath.
Authorities had not yet released details on any damage or casualties.
Japan’s mistaken early warning
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) mistakenly issued an early warning that estimated a magnitude 9.9 earthquake and forecast strong shaking across much of the country. According to data cited by BNO News, the agency’s actual reading was 6.9.
The gap is enormous. If the warning had been correct, it would have been the strongest earthquake ever recorded. The largest instrumentally recorded earthquake in history remains the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, with a magnitude of 9.5.
Why Kamchatka is so active?
The Kamchatka Peninsula sits on a tectonic belt known as the Ring of Fire, which surrounds most of the Pacific Ocean. The belt is a hotspot for seismic activity.
The region has seen far larger events recently. In July last year, an 8.8-magnitude mega-quake off its coast triggered a tsunami that swept part of a coastal village into the sea.
What to watch next?
Two things are still unclear. One is whether the quake caused any damage or injuries in Kamchatka. The other is how the 9.9 estimate reached the public in Japan, since the agency’s actual reading was 6.9. Updates from the EMSC and the JMA will be the sources to follow.
Frequently asked questions
How strong was the earthquake in Russia?
- The EMSC reported a magnitude of 7, at a depth of 140 km, around 123 km southwest of Vilyuchinsk on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Was there a tsunami warning?
- No tsunami alert was issued immediately afterwards. The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no danger.
Did Japan really warn of a magnitude 9.9 earthquake?
- Yes, but it was a mistake. The JMA issued an early warning estimating a magnitude of 9.9, while its actual reading was 6.9, according to data cited by BNO News.
What is the strongest earthquake ever recorded?
- The 1960 Valdivia earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.5.
Why does Kamchatka have so many earthquakes?
- The peninsula lies on the Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt around most of the Pacific Ocean that is a hotspot for seismic activity.
Has Kamchatka had a major earthquake recently?
- Yes. In July last year, an 8.8-magnitude quake off its coast triggered a tsunami that swept part of a coastal village into the sea.
