Russia: Kamchatka earthquake ranked among the most powerful in history

On July 30, 2025, a powerful earthquake occurred in Kamchatka, which, according to the Geological Survey, it reached a magnitude of 8.8. This event was among the six strongest recorded earthquakes in the history of observations. Scientists do not rule out that this indicator may be revised upwards as new geophysical data becomes available.

Within ten minutes, five more tremors of magnitude 5.0, 4.8, 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 were recorded in the region, indicating high seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire zone. The consequences were not only tectonic: the earthquake triggered the eruption of Klyuchevsky volcano — one of the most active and highest stratovolcanoes in Eurasia, reaching a height of 4,750 meters.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka has repeatedly shown intense volcanic activity, and its behavior has been systematically monitored since the 17th century. However, the synchronicity of such a powerful earthquake and the beginning of an eruption makes this event the subject of close attention of the international scientific community.

Against the background of geological upheavals in the Far East, other climate threats are recorded in Asia. In Shanghai, about 280 thousand people were evacuated due to the approach of tropical storm Ko-mei. Against the background of the threat of floods and heavy rains (up to 320 millimeters of precipitation per day), the operation of ferry crossings was suspended, the capacity of transport arteries was reduced, and the largest container port in the region, Yangshan, was closed. The storm previously passed through the Philippines and Okinawa and is now moving towards the southern coast of China.

The observed increase in natural disasters underscores the need for investment in early warning systems, sustainable infrastructure, and international scientific cooperation in monitoring earthquakes and climate threats.