New earthquake in Altai

A powerful earthquake took place again this morning in the Russian Republic of Altai in the south of West Siberia, near the borders with Kazakhstan and China. According to the local seismologists, the earthquake had an 8.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The epicenter of the earthquake was in the easternmost Kosh-Agach district of the mountainous republic. In other districts the earthquake had a 2-3 magnitude.

According to preliminary data, there were no victims but the earthquake damaged buildings in the villages close to the epicenter.

Special groups went to the republic to find out the scale of the damage inflicted and render urgent assistance.

The republican leadership has taken the decision to evacuate children and sick people from the most damaged villages.

An earthquake that was the strongest one ever registered in the republic took place on Saturday. It had a 10 magnitude. Its epicenter was also in the Kosh-Agach district.

According to the data of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, the echo of the underground shocks was felt in the majority of Siberia's big cities.