OREANDA-NEWS. An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred near the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The epicenter lay 250 kilometers southwest of the town of Severo-Kurilsk.

A tsunami alarm was announced n the northern part of the archipelago. 400 people were evacuated from the port area to a hill. The first wave with a height of about 50 centimeters reached Severo-Kurilsk at 15:15 local time (3:15 UTC).

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, an initial inspection of life support facilities, residential houses and potentially dangerous objects was carried out in the town. After that, the tsunami alarm was canceled in Severo-Kurilsk, the regional directorate of the Ministry reported.