When the earth moves: six major earthquakes of 2026

In 2026, there have been six major earthquakes so far, each with varying degrees of severity and impact. The deadliest earthquake occurred on June 24 in Venezuela, registering a magnitude of 7.5, causing over 6,300 fatalities. The damage to the country's infrastructure was also significant, with satellite-based assessments estimating over 58,000 buildings damaged or destroyed.

On June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippine island of Mindanao. Although it was the strongest quake so far in 2026, far fewer people died compared to Venezuela, demonstrating that the strength of an earthquake does not always translate to the severity of its consequences.

Western Colombia experienced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10, with an epicenter in the Choco region. Despite the depth of the earthquake being 100 kilometers, the damage was immense, with more than 250 deaths reported.

The most significant earthquake in 2026 so far, in terms of media attention, was the magnitude 7.5 quake near the island group of Vava'u in Tonga on March 24. However, due to the lack of severe damage and fatalities, it received minimal media coverage.

On April 3, an undersea earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast of Japan, registering a magnitude of 7.4. Although the region had experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, this earthquake resulted in no major tsunami and only 12 deaths.

Lastly, on April 20, an undersea earthquake off the northeastern coast of Japan with a magnitude of 7.4 was recorded. While the region was not hit by a major tsunami, the quake highlighted the vulnerability of Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, to tectonic activity.