Russia hit by massive magnitude-7.4 earthquake weeks after horror 8.8 tremor

The quake occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka region (Image: Getty)

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday near the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka region, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake’s epicentre was 111.7 kilometres (69.3 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and had a depth of 39 kilometres, according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning System briefly warned of a possible tsunami from the earthquake but later removed the threat from its website.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said warnings were issued to coastal areas about a slight change in sea levels, but that means the likelihood of damage is minimal.

Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula had been previously hit by five powerful quakes on July 20, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 7.4.

Days later, on July 29, a 8.8 magnitude quake in the region occured, believed to be the sixth most powerful ever recorded, as per the Kyiv Independent.

That quake caused tsunami waves, which reportedly struck Russia's Rybachiy naval base, which is said to house most of the subs in the country's Pacific Fleet.

Tsunami hits Japan after 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia

Nuclear submarines including Russia's Borei-class craft and Soviet-era Deltas are kept there, The Telegraph reports.

It prompted tsunami warnings in Russia as well as Japan, and the US, as per NBC News.