Earthquakes have made a significant impact globally in 2024, with multiple tremors reported across different regions. This report highlights the notable earthquakes of the year so far, emphasizing those with magnitudes of 6 or higher, or incidents causing significant casualties and damage. Below, we provide an overview of these seismic events and the alarming trends they reveal.
Significant Earthquakes of 2024
The below details of major earthquakes recorded since January 2024. Magnitudes were determined using data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and intensity was measured using the Modified Mercalli scale. Dates are based on Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), the global standard for timekeeping.
Several significant earthquakes have been reported globally in 2024, starting with a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan, on January 1, which claimed 244 lives and injured 1,297 people.
- On January 8, a 6.7 magnitude tremor struck offshore in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, though no casualties were reported.
- Later, on January 22, Xinjiang, China, experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that resulted in 3 deaths and 74 injuries.
- More recently, on April 2, Taiwan's Hualien region faced a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, causing 7 deaths and injuring 736 individuals.
See More details in subsequent records.
- Deadliest Earthquake: Japan, January 1, 2024
- The year began tragically with Japan experiencing its deadliest earthquake on January 1, near Suzu. With a magnitude of 7.5 and an intensity of Shindo 7, this earthquake caused immense destruction:
- Casualties: 244 deaths and 1,297 injuries were reported. Five people remain missing as of late March.
- Displacement: 12,929 individuals were sheltered across 521 evacuation centers as of February 20, 2024.
- Aftermath: The quake left lasting impacts on infrastructure and communities, marking it as one of the most catastrophic in Japan's history.
Year-to-Date Earthquake Statistics
- The frequency and intensity of earthquakes have raised global concerns. A decade-long comparison (2015–2024) of earthquake magnitudes underscores a consistent trend:
- In 2024 (to Till date), there have been no earthquakes of magnitude 8.0–9.9, while the previous years (2023, 2022, and 2015) also recorded no such events.
- For earthquakes in the 7.0–7.9 magnitude range, 2024 has seen 3 occurrences, while 2023, 2022, and 2015 experienced 19, 11, and 16 such events, respectively.
- In the 6.0–6.9 magnitude range, 2024 has recorded 24 earthquakes, with 128 in 2023, 117 in 2022, and 131 in 2015.
- While there has been a drop in high-magnitude earthquakes in 2024, the risk of devastation remains high, given the unpredictability of seismic events.
The occurrence of earthquakes in densely populated areas continues to highlight the need for robust infrastructure, early warning systems, and effective disaster response measures. The tragedies of 2024 emphasize the importance of global collaboration to mitigate earthquake risks and enhance resilience.
