Whats the largest earthquake on record?

Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 5:29 am

Major Earthquake Off Russia Triggers Tsunami Alerts

A powerful earthquake, registering a magnitude of 8.8, struck off the coast of Russia on Tuesday, prompting global tsunami alerts. The event, among the most significant recorded, triggered immediate warnings for coastal regions, including Alaska, Hawaii, and areas extending to New Zealand.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains seismographic records dating back to the early 1900s. Several earthquakes of magnitude 9.0 or greater have been documented since then. The most powerful earthquake on record, the Great Chilean Earthquake, occurred in 1960 and registered a magnitude of 9.5. This event resulted in approximately 1,655 fatalities and left 2 million people homeless.

Other notable earthquakes include the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which measured 9.2 in magnitude and caused a tsunami, resulting in at least 130 deaths and over $2 billion in damages. The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Islands earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered devastating tsunamis that claimed over 280,000 lives and displaced over 1 million people.

Prior to Tuesday's event, the ten largest earthquakes since 1900 were listed, with magnitudes ranging from 8.6 to 9.1.

Following the recent earthquake, evacuation advisories were issued in several locations. While there have been reports of damage and evacuations in the areas nearest the quake's epicenter, no major injuries have been reported. In Hawaii, the tsunami alerts coincided with rush hour, leading to traffic congestion and the cancellation of school activities. A tsunami of 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) was detected in northern Japan.

BNN's Perspective: The ongoing monitoring of seismic activity and the swift implementation of tsunami warning systems are crucial in mitigating the impact of these powerful natural events. While the recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of nature's power, the relatively limited damage and lack of major injuries are a testament to the effectiveness of preparedness measures.

Keywords: earthquake, tsunami, Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, magnitude, USGS, Great Chilean Earthquake, Sumatra-Andaman Islands earthquake, seismic activity, evacuation, alerts

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