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Russia earthquake news today:  A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit off Russia's Kuril Islands on Monday, the fourth significant quake in the area this month, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The earthquake hit at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), fuelling alarm about continuing seismic activity along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

Russia's Far East, already shaken by a series of powerful earthquakes over the past few weeks, has been in heightened alert. Last Friday, August 15, a 6.0 earthquake hit the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting local officials to heighten emergency measures. Temporary states of emergency were issued in certain regions but no extensive structural damage was reported. Residents were explained by officials the evacuation procedures while aftershocks persisted.

Pacific Ring Of Fire Under Risk?

The recent tremor comes hard on the heels of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake on August 5, which produced waves from a low tsunami that inundated a fishing harbor, interrupted power, and led to panic among citizens. Though the damage was minimal, the earthquake served to expose the vulnerability of the area. Barely a week earlier, on August 3, a strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Kuril Islands. That incident followed on the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake on July 30, which was the strongest in the Far East since 1952. The quake in July was so intense that it triggered the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano, emitting lava and ash clouds over Kamchatka and causing flights to be grounded over the area.

Seismologists hold that the group of quakes is related to heightened tectonic movements along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a very volatile region that is behind almost 80 per cent of the largest earthquakes on our planet and recurring volcanic eruptions. The Kuril-Kamchatka arc, where the Pacific Plate meets the North American Plate, is one of the most active seismic belts in the world.

ALSO READ: Russia Hit By Earthquake, Historic Volcano Eruption: What Makes Pacific Ring of Fire So Seismically Active?

Authorities On Alert

Russian rescue services and regional disaster authorities are taking close watch of the continuing tremors. Although no tsunami alert has been issued following the recent 6.3 earthquake, officials have warned coastal dwellers to stay alert. "We are ready for any emergency situation. Evacuation procedures have been revised and local residents are being informed," a regional official said in a statement.

ALSO READ: Cascadia Mega-Tsunami Threat: 1,000-Feet Waves Could Wipe Out Washington, Oregon, California In Minutes | Here's What Study Reveals

With four big earthquakes in less than a month, experts warn the trend may be a precursor to more action in the weeks ahead. Kamchatka and Kuril Islanders are kept in suspense as Russia's Far East holds its breath for potential aftershocks and volcanic disturbances.