Magnitude 6.9 Quake Hits Russia's Kamchatka, Strongest Since 1952

A magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula near the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter was located offshore, and initial readings placed the depth at a level typical for subduction-zone quakes in the region. Russia’s Geophysical Service confirmed the event and said it is the most powerful earthquake recorded in the Kamchatka area since 1952. Authorities have not yet released information on damage, casualties or potential tsunami alerts.