Are Earthquakes Becoming More Frequent Around the World?

A recent series of powerful earthquakes in Indonesia, Colombia and Mexico has renewed concerns about whether the Earth is experiencing more earthquakes than in the past.

According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), about 20,000 earthquakes are recorded worldwide every year, although most are too weak to be felt. Earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher are more likely to cause significant damage.

Between 2016 and 2025, the world experienced an average of 133 earthquakes measuring magnitude 6 or above each year. By mid-August 2026, 91 such earthquakes had already been recorded, including 11 with magnitudes above 7.

While these figures are slightly ahead of the average pace of the previous decade, scientists say they remain within the normal range. There have been no magnitude 8 or 9 earthquakes so far in 2026.

Experts also stress that the number of earthquakes does not determine how deadly they will be. Factors such as depth, proximity to populated areas, building quality, soil conditions and the possibility of tsunamis or landslides can greatly increase the destruction.

There is also no recognized “earthquake season.” Earthquakes occur throughout the year, and scientists cannot predict exactly when a major earthquake will strike.

Most earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries. The Pacific Ring of Fire is the world's most active seismic zone and accounts for about 90 percent of earthquakes. Countries including Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia are located within this region.

Earthquakes are measured using the moment magnitude scale. Each increase of one magnitude represents roughly 10 times more ground shaking and about 32 times more energy released.

The strongest earthquake ever recorded was the magnitude 9.5 earthquake that struck Valdivia, Chile, in 1960. Another devastating earthquake occurred off Sumatra in 2004, triggering a tsunami that killed about 228,000 people across the Indian Ocean.

Despite the recent cluster of major earthquakes, available data does not show that the Earth is suddenly experiencing an unusual increase in earthquake activity. Scientists continue to monitor seismic activity worldwide and use probability assessments and early-warning systems to reduce the risks to communities.

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