The Kuril Islands stretch from the southern tip of Kamchatka Peninsula. Russian scientists had warned on Wednesday that strong aftershocks were possible in the region in the next several weeks.

The Russian govt said three areas near Kamchatka Peninsula are at risk of tsunami. While wave heights are expected to be low, it said it is unsafe to remain near the shore.

A significant earthquake, initially reported at a magnitude of 6.7, struck Russia's Kuril Islands. The magnitude was later updated to 7 by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System.