Kamchatka experienced the strongest earthquake since 1952 with a magnitude of 8.7

On Wednesday, July 30, a historic event occurred in Kamchatka - the region was shaken by the most powerful earthquake in the last 73 years. Specialists from the Kamchatka branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences recorded a colossal magnitude of 8.7, making this seismic phenomenon truly outstanding.

Scientists emphasize: a cataclysm of this scale has not been observed in the Kamchatka seismofocal zone since the distant year of 1952.

The elements raged at 11:26 local time. The earthquake's epicenter is impressive in size - at least 200 kilometers, spreading in the southwestern direction along the deep-sea trench. Experts classify this phenomenon as subduction and do not forecast unexpected development scenarios. The preliminary assessment of the intensity of tremors in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is at least VI points.

A tsunami alert was promptly declared, and the forecasts were confirmed - a dangerous strong tsunami was observed on the coast of Kamchatka, especially in the area of Severo-Kurilsk. Now the region is experiencing an active phase of aftershocks, which will last at least a month. Seismologists warn about the possibility of strong repeated tremors with a magnitude of up to 7.5, capable of causing fluctuations with an intensity of V-VI points and provoking new tsunami waves.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has already felt the consequences of the disaster: the city streets are bound by traffic jams, queues have formed at gas stations, and there are interruptions with electricity and mobile internet. Residents are massively leaving buildings in search of safety. By decision of the head of the region, the working day in the city has been shortened, and children's polyclinic No. 1 is temporarily closed due to building damage. At the moment, no information about casualties has been received.

- The situation is under control, all operational services of the KF FITs EGS RAN are working in emergency mode. We will report on the slightest changes in the situation according to established regulations to the Government of the Kamchatka Territory and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Kamchatka Territory, - the message says.

In addition, information was received about a recorded tsunami in the Elizovsky district of Kamchatka, near the Vodopadnaya weather station. The wave height reached an impressive three to four meters.