Earthquake Today: A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East near the Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, generating tsunami waves that rippled across the Pacific. From Japan to Hawaii and Alaska, and as far as New Zealand and Latin America, authorities issued warnings, urging coastal residents to seek higher ground. Experts cautioned that the risk of further tsunamis could persist for over 24 hours.
This earthquake is now ranked among the top six strongest earthquakes ever recorded, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). It is the most significant quake since the 2011 Japan disaster and ties for sixth place with other historic tremors.
The magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia, was among the top-6 strongest ever recorded on Earth. pic.twitter.com/aSTHLFdPjp
— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) July 30, 2025
Which are the world’s most powerful earthquakes
1. Chile (1960)
The Great Valdivia Earthquake is the most powerful in history, registering a magnitude of 9.5. It struck southern Chile, causing over 1,600 deaths, mainly from a tsunami that travelled across the Pacific. Thousands were injured and entire towns were destroyed.
2. Alaska, USA (1964)
This 9.2-magnitude quake hit Prince William Sound, lasting nearly five minutes. The tsunami and landslides that followed killed over 130 people and caused widespread flooding.
3. Sumatra, Indonesia (2004)
A 9.1-magnitude quake off Sumatra coast triggered a catastrophic tsunami, killing around 230,000 people across Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Africa. Indonesia alone accounted for over 1,67,000 deaths.
4. Tohoku, Japan (2011)
The 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan led to a massive tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Over 18,000 lives were lost in the catastrophe.
5. Kamchatka, Russia (1952)
This 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the same region affected this week. Although fatalities were not reported, it caused a tsunami that reached Hawaii, producing waves up to nine metres high.
6. Biobío, Chile (2010)
A 8.8-magnitude quake shook central Chile, lasting over 90 seconds. It generated a tsunami and left more than 500 people dead, disrupting life across a vast region including Santiago.
Other notable earthquakes
Esmeraldas, Ecuador (1906) – A 8.8-magnitude quake and tsunami resulted in around 1,500 deaths.
Rat Islands, Alaska (1965) – An 8.7-magnitude event caused moderate damage and a tsunami with waves reaching 11 metres.
Tibet (1950) – This 8.6-magnitude earthquake killed at least 780 people and destroyed multiple villages.
Sumatra, Indonesia (2012) – A 8.6-magnitude tremor caused little damage but raised concerns of future quakes.
Arunachal Pradesh, India (1950) – An 8.6-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 4,800 people in India and Tibet, causing landslides and massive topographical changes.