Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits near Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia
An earthquake with a magnitude of M6.1 was recorded at 10:41 UTC on June 7, 2026, approximately 124 km (77 miles) southeast of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia. The hypocenter was determined to be at a depth of 35.0 km (21.7 miles), according to USGS data.
The coordinates place the epicenter near the northern Kuril Islands, an area characterized by frequent seismic activity. The region is sparsely populated, with Severo-Kuril’sk being the nearest town of note.
Given the offshore proximity and remoteness of the location, critical infrastructure in the region may include port facilities, local airstrips, and regional shipping lanes that connect the Kuril Islands with Russia’s mainland and Japan.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was IV. The significance index is 572 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
The Kuril Islands region lies along the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Okhotsk Plate, forming part of the seismically active Kuril–Kamchatka Arc, which regularly experiences large earthquakes and volcanic activity.
This information was last updated at 11:13 UTC on June 7, 2026.