By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in eastern Russia, according to preliminary data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 11:58 PM PDT on September 18, with its epicenter located approximately 128 kilometers (about 80 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 10 km. The coordinates were recorded at 53.168°N, 160.532°E. In response to the seismic event, a Tsunami Advisory has been issued for the Western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. No other parts of the continental United States or Canada are currently under any tsunami alerts, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center. NWS Anchorage posted the following message on X, “An earthquake has occurred that is generating tsunami waves. The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Advisory. Strong waves and currents are dangerous to those in or very near water. Areas in the Advisory should not expect widespread inundation.” Emergency officials are monitoring the situation closely. There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but assessments are ongoing. Latest Update: A 5.8 and 5.4 magnitude earthquakes have struck Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 10 minutes after the initial 7.8 tremor in the same region, according to USGS.