From Russia, Chile to Japan: Most powerful earthquakes ever recorded

A devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the seabed near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, making it one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history. The resulting shockwaves triggered a tsunami that impacted the shores of the Kuril Islands and Japan’s Hokkaido. Several other nations, such as the United States and New Zealand, have also issued tsunami alerts in anticipation of potential coastal threats. Here we take a look at some of the most violent seismic events

Credit: Pexels

1. Biobio, Chile

Credit: Pexels

A devastating 9.5 magnitude earthquake struck Chile’s Biobio region in 1960, widely known as the Great Chilean or Valdivia earthquake. This remains the most powerful seismic event ever recorded; it caused the death of 1,655 people and displaced more than 2 million people.

2. Alaska

Credit: Pexels

In 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, lasting nearly five minutes. It remains the strongest quake in U.S. history, killing over 130 people and triggering a devastating tsunami, landslides, and weeks of aftershocks.

3. Sumatra, Indonesia

Credit: X/@numberslka

A powerful 9.1 magnitude quake in 2004 triggered a tsunami that ravaged South Asia and East Africa, claiming 230,000 lives. Indonesia suffered the worst loss, losing more than 167,000 lives.

4. Japan

Credit: Reuters

The 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, measuring 9.1 in magnitude, led to reactor meltdowns at Fukushima and claimed over 18,000 lives. Many victims were never recovered.

5. Kamchatka, Russia

Credit: X/@GodofPs5

In 1952, the first recorded 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kamchatka Krai, Russia, generating a tsunami that reached Hawaii and caused over $1 million in damage, though no deaths were reported.