Last week, a devastating earthquake in Kamchatka, Russia, resulted in damage to its nuclear submarines. Satellite images vividly reveal this damage.
According to images captured by commercial satellite company Planet Labs, the Avacha Bay Ryabachi Submarine Base's floating pier suffered damage. Part of the pier detached due to the earthquake. Other than this, the submarine base sustained no major damage.
The Ryabachi Submarine Base is part of Russia's Pacific Fleet on the Kamchatka Peninsula, where modern nuclear submarines like the Borei and Borei-A are stationed. However, no official announcement has been made so far regarding this. International organizations monitoring nuclear sites have not reported any radiation leaks in the area.
Source: aajtak
Some floating piers at Ryabachi were recently built. Since the attack on Ukraine in 2022, at least two new piers have been constructed at this base. Established during the Soviet era, it was located in a bay to provide protection from harsh sea waves and storms.
On July 30th, a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck the remote Kamchatka Peninsula. This quake was so impactful that it's considered the sixth-largest in history. It was just 120 km from Avacha Bay, home to a crucial Russian naval nuclear submarine base. This event raises questions about the security of Russia's nuclear arsenal and submarines.
Source: aajtak
The Ryabachi Base houses Borei and Borei-A submarines, capable of transporting nuclear missiles. Additionally, Yasen-M and Oscar-class missile submarines are equipped with conventional weapons but pose significant threats. Another submarine, the K-329 Belgorod, touted as the world's longest, might soon arrive at this base. This submarine can carry nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedoes and undertakes espionage missions. Ensuring these submarines' safety is paramount, as any malfunction could lead to severe incidents like radiation leaks or missile launches.
