MOSCOW, April 21 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale shook the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia's Far East region early on Friday, Russian news agencies reported.

    According to the Far Eastern Regional Center of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations, the quake hit Kamchatka at 3:24 a.m. Moscow time (2324 GMT).

    The epicenter was located at Cape Olyutorski on the eastern coast of Kamchatka, 70 km east of the settlement of Tilichiki at the depth of 40 km.

    Tremors reached a magnitude of 5 in the village of Tilichiki and were felt in the Olyutorskoye and Karaginski districts of the Koryak Autonomous district.

    The settlements with a total population of 4,554 people were in the zone of intensive earth tremors. Luckily, no one was killed, but several people were injured.

    As a result of the jolts, cracks developed on the landing strip of the Tilichiki airport. A school building was partially destroyed, and a kindergarten and residential buildings were damaged.

    Heat and electricity supply to, and telephone connection with the settlement were also cut off.

    A helicopter with a rescue team on board has left for the scene. Warm clothing, foodstuffs, medicines and other necessities are being sent to the Olyutorskoye district. Enditem