📰 Latest earthquake news (past 30 days)
Data: USGS past 30 days · See all earthquakes today →
- 🇯🇵 Japan — one of the world's most seismically active countries, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia — high frequency of earthquakes due to multiple converging tectonic plates
- 🇺🇸 United States — Alaska and the western states experience frequent seismic activity
- 🇨🇱 Chile — home to some of the largest earthquakes ever recorded
- 🇵🇭 Philippines — located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with regular seismic events
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand — active seismic zone along the Alpine Fault
- 🇹🇷 Turkey — sits on multiple active fault lines including the North Anatolian Fault
- 🇲🇽 Mexico — subduction zone activity along the Pacific coast drives frequent earthquakes
Magnitudes are reported using the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw), which accurately measures large earthquakes. It replaced the older Richter scale. Each whole number increase represents about 32 times more energy released.
Live Earthquake Map
Real-time seismic events from around the world, updated every minute.
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M 0–2.9 Minor — rarely feltM 3–3.9 Light — often felt, rarely damagingM 4–4.9 Moderate — felt widelyM 5–5.9 Strong — can cause damageM 6+ Major — serious damage potential
Deep-ocean events with no nearby landmass may remain unattributed — this is correct behaviour.
All times are displayed in your local browser timezone.
Do not use this site as a sole source for emergency decisions. For authoritative alerts, consult your national geological survey or earthquake.usgs.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquakes
❓ What causes earthquakes?
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy along fault lines when tectonic plates move. Most earthquakes occur at plate boundaries, where plates either collide (convergent boundaries), pull apart (divergent boundaries), or slide past each other (transform boundaries). The build‑up of stress over time causes rocks to break, releasing seismic waves that shake the ground. Human activities like mining, reservoir filling, and fracking can also induce small earthquakes. Intraplate earthquakes occur far from plate boundaries, like in Australia or Brazil. The point where the rupture starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface is the epicenter.
❓ What was the biggest earthquake ever recorded?
The largest earthquake ever recorded was the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, with a magnitude of 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. It struck on May 22, 1960, and caused a devastating tsunami that affected the entire Pacific basin, reaching as far as Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. The earthquake itself lasted about 10 minutes, and the tsunami killed thousands of people. Other notable great earthquakes include the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake (M9.2), the 2004 Sumatra‑Andaman earthquake (M9.1–9.3), and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan (M9.1).
❓ Should I get earthquake insurance?
If you live in a seismically active region (California, Japan, Turkey, Chile, Indonesia, the Pacific Northwest of the USA, etc.), earthquake insurance can protect your home and belongings. Standard homeowners policies usually exclude earthquake damage. Typical earthquake insurance covers dwelling, personal property, and additional living expenses. However, deductibles are often high (10–25% of the policy limit). Review your risk with a local agent. Even in low‑risk areas, a moderate earthquake can cause expensive damage. Many experts recommend earthquake insurance if you can afford the premium – it’s a relatively low cost for peace of mind.
An earthquake swarm is a sequence of small quakes without a mainshock, often near volcanoes. No reliable earthquake warning system exists – but early warning apps can give seconds of notice.
📊 Earthquake Magnitude Scale Explained
The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the energy released. The modern Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) replaced the older Richter scale because it accurately measures very large earthquakes. The scale is logarithmic – each whole number increase represents about 32 times more energy release. Below is the typical classification and effects:
| Magnitude | Classification | Typical effects |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2.9 | Minor | Usually not felt, recorded by seismographs. |
| 3–3.9 | Light | Often felt, but rarely causes damage. |
| 4–4.9 | Moderate | Felt widely; may cause minor damage. |
| 5–5.9 | Strong | Can cause damage to poorly built structures. |
| 6–6.9 | Major | Can cause moderate to severe damage in populated areas. |
| 7–7.9 | Great | Causes serious damage over large areas. |
| 8+ | Extreme | Catastrophic destruction near epicentre, often with tsunamis. |
The Richter scale was developed in 1935 and is still sometimes mentioned, but it saturates above magnitude 6.5. The Moment Magnitude scale is now the standard used by the USGS and other seismological agencies.
🏠 Earthquake Safety Tips – What to Do Before, During & After
Before
Secure heavy furniture, know safe spots (under sturdy tables), prepare an emergency kit with water, food, first aid, and a flashlight. Practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On” drills.
During
Drop, Cover, Hold On – drop to hands & knees, cover your head and neck, hold onto sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows and heavy objects. If outdoors, move to an open area.
After
Check for injuries, exit damaged buildings carefully, avoid downed power lines, and be ready for aftershocks. Listen to emergency information.
Source: USGS, Red Cross – general guidance. Local protocols may vary. No reliable earthquake warning system exists – but early warning apps can give seconds of notice.
🌋 Record‑Breaking Earthquakes in History
The following table lists the largest earthquakes ever recorded since modern seismological measurements began. All magnitudes are on the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw).
| Magnitude | Location | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | Valdivia, Chile | 1960 | Strongest ever recorded; caused tsunami across Pacific. |
| 9.2 | Prince William Sound, Alaska | 1964 | Second largest; devastating tsunami and ground fissures. |
| 9.1 | Sumatra, Indonesia | 2004 | Triggered Boxing Day tsunami, killed ~230,000 people. |
| 9.1 | Tōhoku, Japan | 2011 | Caused Fukushima nuclear disaster and major tsunami. |
| 9.0 | Kamchatka, Russia | 1952 | Generated tsunami that struck Hawaii and New Zealand. |
| 8.8 | Maule, Chile | 2010 | One of the strongest of the 21st century. |
| 8.8 | Ecuador–Colombia | 1906 | Megathrust earthquake along the Nazca‑South American plate boundary. |
| 8.7 | Rat Islands, Alaska | 1965 | Occurred in the Aleutian subduction zone. |
| 8.6 | Sumatra, Indonesia | 2012 | Unusual strike‑slip event within the Indo‑Australian plate. |
| 8.6 | Tibet–Assam | 1950 | Medog earthquake; one of the largest intracontinental quakes. |
Data source: USGS Earthquake Catalog. These events represent the most powerful seismic events in recorded history. Learn more about earthquakes in Chile, earthquakes in Japan, and other high‑risk zones.