A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kuril Islands on Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 59km (37 miles), prompted a tsunami warning that was later cancelled.
The epicentre was located approximately 1,400km north-east of Sapporo, Japan. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 1,000km of the epicentre. However, it later stated that only very small tsunami waves were generated and there was no further threat. Forecasts indicated waves would be less than 0.3 metres above tide level.
Tsunami advisories were issued for Hawaii, Japan, Russia, and several Pacific islands, but were later cancelled. Japanese meteorological officials issued no alerts, noting only slight tidal changes might occur.
The Kuril Islands are a chain of volcanic islands stretching from Japan to Russia. The four southernmost islands have been disputed between Moscow and Tokyo since the end of the Second World War.
