M8.7 quake strikes off Russia, injures several; tsunami alerts issued

AFP:
A powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off Russia’s far east coast on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported, triggering a Pacific Ocean tsunami advisory.
Several people were injured in the quake, according to state media.
“Unfortunately, there are patients who were injured during the earthquake… All patients are in satisfactory condition. No serious injuries have been reported at this time,” said Kamchatka region Health Minister Oleg Melnikov, as quoted by the state-run TASS news agency.
Hazardous tsunami waves could reach coastal areas of Russia and Japan within the next three hours, the USGS warned.
The epicentre was initially located about 85 miles (136 kilometres) east of Petropavlovsk in the Kamchatka Peninsula, at a depth of 12 miles (19 kilometres), the agency said.
US authorities issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Alaska, while Japan’s weather agency also issued an advisory for potential tsunami waves of up to one metre (3.3 feet) along its Pacific coast.
The magnitude of the quake was initially reported at 8.0 but was later revised to 8.7.
USGS advised residents in threatened coastal regions to stay alert and follow guidance from national and local authorities.