A powerful earthquake struck Russia’s Altai region on Saturday, causing damage to power lines and leaving several villages without electricity, authorities said.
The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reported the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4, with tremors felt across the eastern part of the region. However, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) later classified it as a 5.7-magnitude quake.
The epicenter was located 27 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of Kosh-Agach, a village home to about 8,000 residents. The ministry confirmed that six settlements—Beltir, Kosh-Agach, Chagan-Uzun, Mukhor-Tarkhata, Ortolyk, Kurai, Tobeler, and Telengit-Sortogo—experienced electricity disruptions and minor structural damage.
Altai, a vast and scenic region in Siberia near the borders of Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia, is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the “Siberian Alps,” it is one of Russia’s most picturesque natural landscapes.
Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage while emergency teams work to restore power to affected areas.
