Earthquake: A powerful earthquake struck this country, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale
Amidst the war with Ukraine, Russia has been struck by a natural disaster. A strong earthquake struck the Kuril Islands in Russia on Tuesday (January 13, 2026). According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck the Kuril Islands, located between Russia and Japan, at 6:34 PM (local time) on Tuesday (January 13, 2026). The earthquake occurred at 44.6 degrees North and 149.1 degrees East, approximately 545 km east of Asahikawa, Japan. Its epicenter was recorded at a depth of 45 kilometers.
No Tsunami Threat – USGS
The Kuril Islands are located in a highly seismically active region between Russia and Japan, where earthquakes frequently occur due to the movement of tectonic plates. However, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake. The USGS has issued a green alert for earthquake-related fatalities and economic losses, meaning the likelihood of significant casualties and damage is low.
The population in this region lives in structures that are moderately resistant to earthquake shaking. The most vulnerable building type is reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced masonry walls. According to the USGS, the total population of the Kuril Islands is approximately 2,000.
Last Year’s Devastating 8.7 Magnitude Earthquake
Last year, on July 30, 2025, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 8.7 struck the island, which was equivalent to the sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded worldwide. However, there were no casualties in Russia. Since the July 30, 2025 earthquake, more than 100 aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 or greater have been felt in the region. There have been no reports of casualties or damage from Tuesday’s (January 13) earthquake so far. The Kuril Islands are considered part of the Ring of Fire.
The Kuril Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Russian Far East. This region is considered part of the Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. The Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula are among the most seismically and volcanically active regions on Earth, experiencing hundreds of earthquakes of varying magnitudes every year. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck Kamchatka in 1952, which is considered one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history.
