Russia's Kuril Islands rattles after 6.7 quake days after Kamchatka's 8.8 megaquake
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A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Kuril Islands on Sunday, August 3. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.The agency initially had pegged the earthquake at 6.35 magnitude, with a 10-km (6.2-mile) depth. No Tsunami warning issued,The USGS reported it as a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which was 118 kilometers east of Severo-Kuril'sk, Russia, at a depth of 35 kilometers on August 3, 2025, at 05:37 UTC.This was followed by a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in late July 2025. The most significant was a magnitude 8.8 M quake on July 30, centered offshore about 119 km from Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of around 19–20 km, making it one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history.It triggered tsunami warnings throughout the Pacific, produced waves up to four meters in parts of Russia, and prompted evacuations in Japan, Hawaii, and along the U.S. West Coast.The quake was preceded by a powerful magnitude 7.4 tremor on July 20, followed by a string of aftershocks reaching up to magnitude 6.7 within hours. These seismic events led to heightened regional alerts before the major M8.8 event.The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), headquartered in Potsdam, is Germany's national research center for geosciences. It operates under the Helmholtz Association and focuses on studying the dynamics of the Earth system, from earthquakes and volcanic activity to climate and tectonic processes.GFZ is recognized globally for its contribution to earthquake monitoring, providing real-time seismic data and analysis through its seismological services.The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a scientific agency of the US government under the Department of the Interior. It conducts research and monitoring across a range of Earth science topics, including earthquakes, volcanoes, water resources, and land use.USGS is one of the world's most trusted sources for seismic data and hazard assessments, offering public tools like the Earthquake Map and ShakeAlert to inform emergency responses and long-term planning.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Russia's Kuril Islands rattles after 6.7 quake days after Kamchatka's 8.8 megaquake
Live Events About GFZ About USGS (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Kuril Islands on Sunday, August 3. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake occurred at a depth of 10 agency initially had pegged the earthquake at 6.35 magnitude, with a 10-km (6.2-mile) depth. No Tsunami warning issued,The USGS reported it as a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which was 118 kilometers east of Severo-Kuril'sk, Russia, at a depth of 35 kilometers on August 3, 2025, at 05:37 was followed by a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in late July 2025. The most significant was a magnitude 8.8 M quake on July 30, centered offshore about 119 km from Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of around 19–20 km, making it one of the largest earthquakes in recorded triggered tsunami warnings throughout the Pacific, produced waves up to four meters in parts of Russia, and prompted evacuations in Japan, Hawaii, and along the U.S. West quake was preceded by a powerful magnitude 7.4 tremor on July 20, followed by a string of aftershocks reaching up to magnitude 6.7 within hours. These seismic events led to heightened regional alerts before the major M8.8 German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), headquartered in Potsdam, is Germany's national research center for geosciences. It operates under the Helmholtz Association and focuses on studying the dynamics of the Earth system, from earthquakes and volcanic activity to climate and tectonic is recognized globally for its contribution to earthquake monitoring, providing real-time seismic data and analysis through its seismological United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a scientific agency of the US government under the Department of the Interior. It conducts research and monitoring across a range of Earth science topics, including earthquakes, volcanoes, water resources, and land is one of the world's most trusted sources for seismic data and hazard assessments, offering public tools like the Earthquake Map and ShakeAlert to inform emergency responses and long-term planning.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Top 10 most powerful earthquakes in the world: Kamchatka Quake joins history's deadliest list
Earthquakes are among nature's most destructive forces, capable of reshaping coastlines and triggering tsunamis within minutes. The 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in 2025 rattled buildings, triggered Pacific-wide tsunami alerts, and revived discussions about historic seismic disasters. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), this event now ranks among the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, alongside catastrophic tremors from Chile to Japan. Such high-magnitude earthquakes often leave behind widespread devastation, loss of life, and long-term environmental impact. Explore the top 10 most powerful earthquakes in history, their magnitudes, and their far-reaching consequences on human civilization. List of 10 strongest earthquakes ever in recorded history Rank Country Year Magnitude 1 Valdivia, Chile 1960 9.5 2 Prince William Sound, Alaska 1964 9.2 3 Sumatra, Indonesia 2004 9.1 4 Tohoku, Japan 2011 9.1 5 Kamchatka, Russia 1952 9 6 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 2025 8.8 7 Maule, Chile 2010 8.8 8 Esmeraldas, Ecuador 1906 8.8 9 Rat Islands, Alaska 1965 8.7 10 Tibet 1950 8.6 World's most powerful earthquakes Valdivia, Chile – 1960 (Magnitude 9.5) The Valdivia earthquake is the most powerful ever recorded, shaking southern Chile with catastrophic force. It triggered Pacific-wide tsunamis reaching Japan and the Philippines. Over 1,600 people died, thousands were injured, and infrastructure damage was widespread. Coastal areas were permanently reshaped, and the disaster led to advances in earthquake monitoring and international tsunami warning systems, setting global standards for seismic risk management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo Prince William Sound, Alaska – 1964 (Magnitude 9.2) Known as the Great Alaska Earthquake, it lasted almost five minutes and altered large parts of the Alaskan landscape. The quake triggered massive landslides and a destructive tsunami, causing over 130 deaths and extensive property loss. It remains the most powerful earthquake in U.S. history and contributed to the development of seismic-resistant building codes and improved understanding of subduction zone earthquakes. Sumatra, Indonesia – 2004 (Magnitude 9.1) This undersea megathrust earthquake caused one of the deadliest natural disasters ever, claiming over 230,000 lives across 14 countries. The resulting tsunami devastated coastal regions of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and parts of East Africa. It displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and reshaped coastlines. The event sparked a global push for tsunami early warning systems, changing how nations prepare for seismic oceanic events. Tohoku, Japan – 2011 (Magnitude 9.1) Source: Britannica The Tohoku earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that inundated Japan's northeast coast, killing over 18,000 people and causing the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Thousands of homes, roads, and railways were destroyed, and entire towns were wiped out. The catastrophe led to stronger nuclear safety regulations and advancements in disaster response, making it one of the most consequential quakes of the 21st century. Kamchatka, Russia – 1952 (Magnitude 9.0) Source: Scientific Inquirer The Kamchatka earthquake struck the Russian Far East, generating a Pacific-wide tsunami with waves up to 30 feet, impacting Hawaii and Japan. Though fatalities were limited due to sparse population, property damage in coastal areas was significant. It demonstrated the seismic volatility of the Pacific Ring of Fire and prompted greater research into tectonic activity in the Russian region and beyond. Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia – 2025 (Magnitude 8.8) Source: Reuters This modern quake rattled the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific from Japan to Hawaii. Buildings swayed, evacuations ensued, and early footage showed widespread panic near the epicenter. While casualty reports are still being assessed, it's the strongest quake in Russia in over 70 years, reinforcing concerns about seismic risks in the volatile Pacific Rim and prompting renewed disaster preparedness efforts. Maule, Chile – 2010 (Magnitude 8.8) The Maule earthquake struck central Chile, killing over 500 people and damaging highways, bridges, and power infrastructure. The quake lasted 90 seconds and triggered a tsunami that destroyed coastal towns. Economic losses were immense, amounting to billions of dollars. Chile's response and recovery efforts, including rapid rebuilding, showcased its earthquake resilience and improved building code enforcement in one of the world's mostseismically active regions. Esmeraldas, Ecuador – 1906 (Magnitude 8.8) Source: BBC This powerful quake struck off Ecuador's coast, triggering a massive tsunami felt across Central America, California, and Japan. Around 1,500 lives were lost, mostly due to flooding and collapsing buildings. It remains one of the deadliest disasters in Ecuador's history. The earthquake highlighted the seismicvulnerability of the Pacific coast of South America and drove early international awareness of tsunami hazards. Rat Islands, Alaska – 1965 (Magnitude 8.7) Source: KMXT The Rat Islands earthquake hit the remote Aleutian chain, producing a 35-foot tsunami that spread across the Pacific. Due to the region's isolation, there were no mass casualties, but military installations and structures suffered damage. It reaffirmed Alaska's position as one of the most seismically active regions and provided key data for studying subduction zone quakes and associated tsunami behavior. Tibet – 1950 (Magnitude 8.6) Source: Shillong Times The Tibet-Assam earthquake devastated villages along the Tibet-India border, killing at least 780 people. It triggered landslides that buried communities and caused massive flooding when a natural dam burst days later, sending a 23-foot wall of water downstream. Its impact extended beyond immediate destruction, highlighting the dangers of seismic activity in mountainous regions prone to secondary disasters like landslides and dam collapses. 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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Alerts, volcano and evacuation: Tsunami warnings lifted in most nations after 'strongest' earthquakes hit Russia; here's what to know
One of the most powerful earthquakes struck a Russian harbour, triggering a tsunami with subsequent waves reaching across the Pacific Ocean to the Americas and extending southward to New Zealand. By the following day, the threat had substantially diminished after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which originated near the coastline of Russia's Far East, specifically the Kamchatka Peninsula. The impact was minimal, with no significant destruction reported, leading to the withdrawal of tsunami alerts in most regions. Nevertheless, Chile escalated its warning to maximum level in the early hours of Wednesday along most of its extensive Pacific shoreline, initiating the relocation of hundreds of residents. What we know: Strongest earthquake The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday local time, ranks amongst the four most intense seismic events of this century, as confirmed by the USGS. According to Simon Boxall, who serves as a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center, this event stands as the sixth most powerful earthquake ever documented. The primary earthquake, followed by subsequent aftershocks reaching up to 6.9 magnitude, occurred within the Pacific Ring of Fire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This region, characterised by seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, experiences over 80% of the world's major earthquakes due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. The presence of numerous volcanoes in this zone gives it its distinctive name. This seismic event triggered multiple tsunamis that spread from the epicentre near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, although not all earthquakes result in such oceanic disturbances. "It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash," Boxall said. "And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground. " Volcano eruption Kamchatka, known as the 'land of fire and ice,' is one of the world's most volcanically active regions, with 29 active volcanoes among its 300. Positioned near a tectonic trench, it frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis. The 1,200-km peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean, has a sparse population mostly centered in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Fishing dominates the economy, and a key Russian nuclear submarine base lies in Avacha Bay. The towering Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the Northern Hemisphere's largest active volcano, recently showed signs of eruption. Nearby, the Kuril Islands—claimed by both Russia and Japan—remain a geopolitical flashpoint and host military outposts and fishing communities. Tsunami in Russia, US and Japan Tsunami measurements showed heights of 3 to 4 metres in Kamchatka, while San Francisco experienced waves of 2 to 5 feet early Wednesday. Other locations reported lesser wave heights. Initial assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no safety concerns at Japanese Pacific coast nuclear facilities. The Russian territories nearest to the epicentre reported some damage and implemented evacuations, with emergency declarations in multiple areas. Several minor injuries occurred, but no significant structural damage was noted. Further aftershocks remain possible, and northern California coastal areas continue under tsunami advisory. Tsunami alert Hawaiian emergency services utilise multiple communication channels, including mobile alerts, television, radio and siren networks. Alaskan communities rely on sirens and information via weather or public radio broadcasts. The US National Weather Service categorises alerts into three levels: — A warning indicates an expected or occurring tsunami capable of widespread flooding. People should evacuate to higher ground or move inland. — An advisory signals potential strong currents or hazardous waves, requiring people to avoid water activities and stay clear of beaches and waterways. — A watch indicates tsunami possibility and the need for preparedness.
