A strong earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck the Kuril Islands of Russia at 11.05 am today, the Malaysian Meteorological Department reported.
The quake occurred at 15:05 local time (0305 GMT) with its epicenter at a depth of 33 km.
The quake did not pose any threat of a tsunami.
The tremor struck in the Pacific Ocean at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The US Geological Survey measured a stronger 7.2 magnitude.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage. No tsunami warning has been issued. Further details are awaited.
