What was the strongest earthquake ever recorded? The record belongs to the May 22, 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, with a moment magnitude of Mw 9.5. Here are the ten largest instrumentally recorded earthquakes since 1900 according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), including the Mw 8.8 Kamchatka earthquake of 2025.
This list ranks magnitude rather than death toll. Events with the same rounded magnitude are effectively tied; their displayed ordering does not establish different energy releases.
Top 10 largest earthquakes ever recorded
| Rank | Earthquake and location | Date (UTC) | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valdivia, Chile | 1960-05-22 | Mw 9.5 |
| 2 | Alaska, USA | 1964-03-28 | Mw 9.2 |
| 3 | Sumatra–Andaman, Indonesia | 2004-12-26 | Mw 9.1 |
| 4 | Tōhoku, Japan | 2011-03-11 | Mw 9.1 |
| 5 | Kamchatka, Russia | 1952-11-04 | Mw 9.0 |
| 6 | Kamchatka, Russia | 2025-07-29 | Mw 8.8 |
| 7 | Biobío, Chile | 2010-02-27 | Mw 8.8 |
| 8 | Ecuador–Colombia | 1906-01-31 | Mw 8.8 |
| 9 | Rat Islands, Alaska | 1965-02-04 | Mw 8.7 |
| 10 | Assam–Tibet | 1950-08-15 | Mw 8.6 |
Source: USGS top 10, updated December 2025. Dates are in UTC.
What happened in each of the ten earthquakes?
1. Valdivia, Chile — Mw 9.5
The world’s largest instrumentally recorded earthquake struck Valdivia, Chile, on May 22, 1960. At Mw 9.5, it remains the benchmark for modern seismic records.
2. Alaska, USA — Mw 9.2
The 1964 Good Friday earthquake in southern Alaska registered Mw 9.2 and caused extensive ground deformation, landslides and tsunamis.
3. Sumatra–Andaman, Indonesia — Mw 9.1
The 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake, Mw 9.1, generated a catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami affecting countries far from its epicenter.
4. Tōhoku, Japan — Mw 9.1
The March 2011 Mw 9.1 Tōhoku earthquake generated a destructive tsunami and contributed to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
5. Kamchatka, Russia (1952) — Mw 9.0
The Mw 9.0 1952 Kamchatka earthquake generated a tsunami that reached Hawaii.
6. Kamchatka, Russia (2025) — Mw 8.8
The July 29, 2025 UTC Mw 8.8 Kamchatka earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific and ties other events at the same magnitude.
7. Biobío, Chile — Mw 8.8
The February 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule/Biobío earthquake produced severe shaking and a tsunami along the Chilean coast.
8. Ecuador–Colombia — Mw 8.8
The 1906 Mw 8.8 Ecuador–Colombia earthquake generated a tsunami and affected the Pacific coast.
9. Rat Islands, Alaska — Mw 8.7
The 1965 Mw 8.7 Rat Islands earthquake struck Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and generated a tsunami.
10. Assam–Tibet — Mw 8.6
The 1950 Mw 8.6 Assam–Tibet earthquake produced intense shaking and major landslides.
Why are the largest earthquakes concentrated along subduction zones?
At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate moves beneath another. Very long fault segments can slip in a single event, producing so-called megathrust earthquakes. Explore our guides to geological faults and the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Magnitude is not the same as destruction or fatalities
Moment magnitude (Mw) quantifies an earthquake’s seismic source. Damage also depends on depth, distance, vulnerable buildings, local ground conditions, population exposure and whether a tsunami occurs. An increase of one magnitude unit corresponds to roughly 32 times more energy released.
Why can these earthquakes produce tsunamis?
Large undersea ruptures that significantly displace the seabed can move huge volumes of seawater. Tsunami impacts depend on rupture characteristics and coastal geography. Learn how tsunamis form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest earthquake ever recorded?
The Mw 9.5 Valdivia earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960.
Where does the 2011 Japan earthquake rank?
At Mw 9.1, Tōhoku shares its magnitude with the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake; the USGS list places the two at fourth and third respectively.
Was the 2025 Kamchatka earthquake among the strongest?
Yes. Its Mw 8.8 magnitude places it among the ten largest instrumentally recorded earthquakes.
Where can I find recent earthquakes?
Visit the earthquakes today dashboard for live seismic activity.
Scientific references
- USGS: Ten Largest Earthquakes Ever Recorded
- USGS: 20 Largest Earthquakes Since 1900
- USGS: 2025 Kamchatka Earthquake
Reviewed October 2026. Rankings may be updated as estimates are refined.
