A strong earthquake struck near Severouralsk and Krasnoturinsk in the Sverdlovsk region, drawing attention from seismic networks around the country. An alert linked to the International Monitoring System was noted in reports.
The event registered a magnitude of 4.5 and was recorded on June 28 at 03:26 GMT, corresponding to 12:26 local time. Seismic data confirm the tremor as a notable shake, though the epicenter lay in a forested area, which helped limit potential harm to residents and structures. Experts from the Yekaterinburg Geophysical Institute, part of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that while the tremor could pose a risk in populated zones, the forested location reduced exposure to danger.
A separate seismic event occurred at the end of June in the Lerik region of southern Azerbaijan. The Republic Seismological Service Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan reported a magnitude of 5.0, detected 27 kilometers east of the Lerik station at 07:43 local time. Felt across nearby areas with intensity roughly five on the felt scale at the epicenter, the quake was estimated at a lower intensity in neighboring Lerik, Lenkeran, Astara, Yardimli, Masalli, and Jalilabad regions.
Earlier, a separate earthquake of magnitude 5 was reported in Japan. Seismic activity remains a global concern, with instruments worldwide continuously monitoring tremors to assess aftershocks, potential risk to infrastructure, and the need for any immediate safety measures. Communities in affected zones typically respond with standard precautions, including checking for structural damage, following official guidance, and ensuring access to safe evacuation routes if needed.
Experts emphasize that even moderate earthquakes can cause secondary hazards such as cracks in roads, fallen debris, or disruptions to utilities. While the Sverdlovsk event did not produce significant ground disruption, authorities advise residents in seismic zones to stay informed through official channels, maintain basic emergency supplies, and prepare contact points for family safety planning. In Azerbaijan, local authorities conducted rapid assessments to determine structural integrity and to guide any necessary inspections of buildings and critical facilities. In Japan, ongoing monitoring and preparedness remain central to public safety strategies, given the country’s seismic history and high population density in affected areas.