High alert mode is introduced in Irkutsk after a strong earthquake

"Today at 5.45 a seismic event took place in the Irkutsk Region. The intensity at the epicenter is 7.6, in Irkutsk - 5-6. Magnitude 5.5, energy class 14.0", - is said in the message of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Irkutsk region.

According to the administration of Irkutsk, the city's duty services have begun collecting information about the consequences of the earthquake. The situation is being assessed by two emergency response crews, and management companies have begun surveying the housing stock. At the moment there is no information about the victims.

"No casualties or destructions have been identified. Utility infrastructure and strategic facilities located on the territory of Irkutsk are operating normally”, - the mayor's office assured.

According to the East Siberian Railway (a branch of Russian Railways), the railway infrastructure was not affected by the earthquake.

"The condition of the track, artificial structures, railway transport facilities and the social sphere was promptly checked. Currently, the inspections are completed, variations in the way the state and infrastructure have been identified", - transfers Interfax the words of the representatives of the Russian Railways.