Strong Quake Strikes Kuril Islands

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 hit the Kuril Islands in the Russian Far East early today. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quake was centered at a depth of about 31 miles undersea off the island of Iturup, according to Japan’s Central Meteorological Agency.

The quake followed one of magnitude of 6.9 centered 60 miles east of Iturup on Sunday. No casualties were reported, but the quake caused heightened waves in the Pacific Ocean, the ITAR-Tass news agency said.

A magnitude 7 earthquake is capable of causing considerable damage in populated areas.