Powerful Quake Jolts Siberia's Altai Republic

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake shook the Altai Republic in Siberia. Regional head Andrei Turchak reported no casualties but imposed a high-alert regime, urging residents to remain calm. Public events were canceled, and minor damage was recorded amid rumors of wider destruction, with potential water supply issues near the epicenter.

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake jolted Russia's Altai Republic in southern Siberia early Saturday, according to reports from Russian seismologists.

The quake struck at 8:48 a.m. local time, as noted by Interfax news agency, citing the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Tremors were perceived in nearby regions.

Regional head Andrei Turchak announced on Telegram that no casualties were reported, although a 'high-alert regime' has been declared, canceling public gatherings and warning of potential water supply disruptions near the quake's epicenter. While preliminary assessments revealed minor damage, Turchak dismissed exaggerated damage claims circulating online, urging calm and reliance on verified information.

(With inputs from agencies.)