Has there been an increase in big earthquakes worldwide this year?

In 2026, experts say there has not been an above-average rate of large earthquakes worldwide. Despite several major earthquakes occurring in countries like Indonesia and Venezuela, the USGS reports that 11 earthquakes above a magnitude of seven have occurred this year, which is roughly on average. The USGS expects about 12 such earthquakes in a typical year. Meanwhile, 34 earthquakes with a magnitude between six and 6.9 have been recorded, aligning with the USGS's prediction of around 16 such events annually.

John Cassidy, an earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, noted that the count of 11 earthquakes above a magnitude of seven is "about on average" for the first three-quarters of the year. He explained that the movement of tectonic plates is the primary driver of large earthquakes, with these plates moving about five to seven centimeters each year.

In Canada, there have been 2,819 earthquakes this year, with Robert Shcherbakov, an earth sciences professor at Western University, stating that the intensity of an earthquake depends on its location and depth. He added that structural resilience, such as the retrofitting of older buildings in Japan, contributes to how severe the impacts can be.

While the number of earthquakes this year is typical, the intensity of recent quakes has been particularly devastating. Cassidy highlighted that the recent earthquakes near major population centers have caused significant damage and loss of life, making this year's events more impactful compared to past years.