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TSUNAMI ALERT

Huge 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocks Russia & sparks tsunami warning off east coast

The area has been rocked by earthquakes and large tsunamis before
a group of people walking in the snow with mountains in the background

A HUGE earthquake has hit off the eastern coast of Russia with a tsunami warning issued.

The 7.2 magnitude quake struck around 27 miles deep in Kamchatka.

Two volcanoes in Kamchatka, eastern Russia (file image)
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Two volcanoes in Kamchatka, eastern Russia (file image)Credit: Alamy

The US National Tsunami Warning Centre issued a threat after the quake.

It struck around 8.10pm UK time and was confirmed by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

A statement by the US Tsunami Centre read: "Hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300km of the earthquake epicentre."

The warning said waves between "0.3m-1m" above tide level could hit some areas along the Russian coast.

They could appear at any point from 8.30 to 9pm UK time.

Many major quakes have occurred in the Kamchatka region over the years.

Two in 1923 and 1952 both sparked large tsunamis.

Southern Kamchatka lies above a Pacific tectonic plate.

Just days ago a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan near the city of Miyazaki on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said: "Tsunamis will strike repeatedly.

"Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted."

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