Two killed by earthquake in Russia's far east: report (1st Lead)

Aug 2, 2007, 7:59 GMT

Moscow - At least two people were killed and an unconfirmed number wounded by an earthquake Thursday in Russia's far eastern region measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, news agency Interfax reported.

The quake was centred close to the city of Nevelsk located on the Russian Pacific island of Sakhalin, Interfax said.

Governor of the region Ivan Malachov said the early-afternoon tremor had destroyed numerous buildings. Most of the 24,000 residents of the city, located in the south of the island, had however evacuated to safety.

The quake was reported to have cut power in the city.

Nevelsk city authorities have set up a tent city as temporary shelter as aftershocks were expected through the night.

According to civil protection authorities, rescue workers, helicopters and pyschologists were brought to the area to assist residents.

Significant oil and natural gas reserves are located on Sakhalin.

The tremor caused small tsunami waves to reach the coast of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

The region is prone to earthquakes. A 1995 quake struck Sakhalin, killing 2000 people. Most quakes however cause little damage as the area is thinly populated.