Shallow M6.6 and M6.0 earthquakes hit near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 struck near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, at 06:52 UTC (18:52 LT) on June 19, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. The event followed a nearby M6.0 earthquake reported by USGS at 06:51 UTC at a depth of 28.4 km (17.6 miles). The affected area lies within the same tectonic region that produced the major M8.8 Kamchatka earthquake and Pacific-wide tsunami in July 2025. PTWC said there is no tsunami threat from today’s earthquake.
Epicenter of M6.6 earthquake near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia on June 19, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The M6.6 earthquake was preceded by an M6.0 event approximately one minute earlier and followed by an M4.9 earthquake about 13 minutes later.
The epicenter was located 136 km (85 miles) E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (population 181 216), and 151 km (94 miles) E of Yelizovo (population 40 692), and the preceding M6.0 was about 156 km (97 miles) ESE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to USGS.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 261 000 light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat, PTWC said.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.
The affected area lies within the same tectonic region that produced the massive M8.8 Kamchatka earthquake on July 29, 2025. That event generated a Pacific-wide tsunami and triggered a prolonged aftershock sequence that continues to produce strong earthquakes across the eastern coast of Kamchatka and adjacent offshore areas.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.6 earthquake near east coast of Kamchatka, Russia – USGS – June 19, 2026
2 M6.6 earthquake near east coast of Kamchatka, Russia – EMSC – June 19, 2026
3 M6.6 earthquake near east coast of Kamchatka, Russia – PTWC – June 19, 2026
4 M6.0 earthquake near east coast of Kamchatka, Russia – USGS – June 19, 2026
5 M6.0 earthquake near east coast of Kamchatka, Russia – EMSC – June 19, 2026
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.