Russia earthquake: Tsunami warning issued after magnitude 7.4 tremor strikes off country's east coast

A major 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck off Russia's far east, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula was initially measured at 7.8 before being revised downwards.

The tremor struck 55 miles (82km) west of Nikolskoye at a depth of 9km, the USGS said.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warned that parts of the coast could face hazardous tsunami waves from the earthquake

Waves were possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coasts of Russia, the centre said.

“Persons located in threatened coastal areas should [look] for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities,” the agency said.

There is no tsunami danger for the US West Coast, British Columbia, or Alaska

Russian news agencies carried no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The area is one of the more sparsely-populated in the region.