A powerful earthquake struck the Kamchatka region on July 30, prompting evacuations, a day off for state institutions, and widespread concern among residents. The tremors, reaching a magnitude of 8.7, mark the strongest earthquake in the area since 1952.

The earthquake, which lasted approximately seven minutes, caused significant disruption. Residents reported shaking walls, moving objects, and noticeable ground vibrations. Initial reports indicate that power outages and communication disruptions occurred in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

Arina, a resident who recently moved to Kamchatka from Yekaterinburg, described her experience during the earthquake. She was at work when the tremors began and quickly evacuated with her colleagues. She noted that the first and most powerful jolt felt exceptionally long.

In the wake of the earthquake, authorities declared a day off for the Kamchatka region. State institutions were closed from early afternoon, and some stores followed suit. Many residents, fearing aftershocks and potential tsunamis, remained outside their homes.

While Arina reported no visible damage to her house, she mentioned drawers being pushed out. The possibility of a tsunami has heightened anxieties, with many people waiting together for updates and potential evacuation orders.

A separate, smaller earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 recently occurred in the Stavropol Territory, with its epicenter located 46 km from Georgievsk.