7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Russia

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting rescue teams to inspect buildings. Initial tsunami threats were canceled, and several lower-intensity aftershocks followed. The region, on the 'Ring of Fire', is home to many active volcanoes.

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula early Sunday morning, as reported by the regional earthquake monitoring service.

Tremors were felt along the coastline, including in the region's capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Operational teams of rescuers and firefighters were deployed to inspect buildings.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of nearly 50 kilometers, about 90 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Though the US National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami threat, it was later canceled, and local authorities did not issue any alerts.

Several lower-intensity aftershocks followed the initial quake.

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies on the seismically active 'Ring of Fire,' home to over two dozen active volcanoes.