August 18, 2026 | 10:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A series of powerful earthquakes around the world this year has raised a familiar question: Is Earth experiencing more earthquakes than usual?
In recent months, major earthquakes have struck Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, the Philippines and Venezuela. The cluster of destructive events has fueled concerns that 2026 could be an unusually active year. But the available data tells a more nuanced story.
The Largest Earthquakes of 2026
According to data cited by Al Jazeera from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), about 20,000 earthquakes are recorded around the world each year, or roughly 55 per day. Most are too weak to be felt.
The strongest earthquake recorded in 2026 so far was a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao in the Philippines in June, which killed more than 100 people. Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes in June, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, while earthquakes in Mexico, Colombia and Indonesia in July and August also reached magnitude 7.4 or higher.
Is the world experiencing more earthquakes?
Despite the recent wave of earthquake news, geologists say the current pattern is not unusual. As reported by Yahoo! News, geologist Wendy Bohon told HuffPost that while it may feel like earthquakes are happening more frequently, 2026 has been a fairly normal year statistically.
On average, the world experiences around 15 to 18 earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 each year. So far in 2026, there have been 10, putting the figure toward the lower end of the expected range. What stands out, Bohon said, is that several recent earthquakes have caused significant damage, making them more likely to dominate headlines and public attention.
Bohon added that cognitive biases can also make earthquakes seem more frequent than they actually are. Recency bias causes people to place greater importance on recent events than on long-term data. The "frequency illusion," also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, causes people to notice something more often after they have recently become aware of it.
How do earthquakes happen?
Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates—the massive pieces that make up Earth's outer shell—move and suddenly slip along faults. The plates are constantly moving, but their edges can become locked. Stress builds until the rocks eventually give way, releasing energy in seismic waves that shake the ground.
When earthquakes are related, it is typically because of “aftershocks”—smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area in the days, months or even years after a larger event, known as the “mainshock.” Earthquakes are happening all the time, but most go unnoticed because they occur in remote areas or beneath the ocean, rather than in densely populated areas where their impacts are more visible.
Where do most earthquakes occur?
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the world's most seismically active region, accounting for roughly 90 percent of earthquakes. It stretches from the western Americas to the Russian Far East and down through Southeast Asia and New Zealand.
Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines are all located along the Ring of Fire. Another active zone, the Alpide belt, runs from Java through the Himalayas to Türkiye and the Mediterranean.
How are earthquakes measured?
Earthquake size is measured using the moment magnitude scale, which reflects the energy released at the earthquake's source.
The scale is logarithmic: each whole-number increase represents about 10 times more ground shaking and roughly 32 times more energy. A magnitude 7 earthquake is considered major, while earthquakes of magnitude 8 or above are classified as great.
However, magnitude alone does not determine how deadly an earthquake will be. Its depth, proximity to populated areas, soil conditions, building quality and potential to trigger tsunamis or landslides can all affect the damage.
What is the largest earthquake ever recorded?
The most powerful earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake that struck Valdivia, Chile, on May 22, 1960. It generated a tsunami that crossed the Pacific Ocean.
The second-largest was a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in Alaska in 1964. The 2004 Sumatra earthquake, estimated at magnitude 9.1–9.3, triggered the Indian Ocean tsunami and killed about 228,000 people.
Read: Over 19,000 Houses Damaged in NTT Quake: Here's the Detail
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo's Visit to NTT Earthquake Zone Being Planned, Palace Says
3 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto's visit to earthquake-hit East Nusa Tenggara is being planned as the government assesses conditions on the ground.
NTT Quake Victims to Receive Rp5 Million Each in Government Aid
3 jam lalu
Indonesia will give Rp5 million to each of 199 people injured in the NTT quake, while families of 70 victims will receive Rp15 million.
Colombia Earthquake Losses Estimated at US$9.5bn
4 jam lalu
Economic losses caused by the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia are estimated at US$9.58 billion.
Over 19,000 Houses Damaged in NTT Quake: Here's the Detail
5 jam lalu
BPBD recorded that 19,297 houses have been damaged by the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake, according to data releases this morning.
Which Countries Have Offered Help to Indonesia After M7.7 Flores Quake?
9 jam lalu
Words of condolences and offers to provide assistance have trickled in from the international community after 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck NTT.
M6.1 Earthquake Hits North Sumatra, No Tsunami Threat
9 jam lalu
BMKG said that the 6.1-magnitude tectonic earthquake in South Nias, North Sumatra, on Tuesday was caused by subduction activity.
M7.7 Earthquake Struck Nagekeo, BMKG Issues Tsunami Early Warning
17 jam lalu
BMKG issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas in NTT and nearby provinces after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck offshore from Mbay, Nagekeo.
Chinese Nationals Injured in NTT Quake, China Says
1 hari lalu
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that several Chinese citizens were injured in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia's NTT.
Indonesia: Thousands Await Aid After Earthquake Kills 68
1 hari lalu
Indonesia marked its Independence Day on Monday but celebrations have been overshadowed by an earthquake which has left over 60 people dead.
Will Prabowo Visit Earthquake-Hit NTT Soon?
1 hari lalu
Several ministers in Prabowo's administration were absent during the 81st Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta.
