Have there been aftershocks in Russia? An Update of the 8.8-M Earthquake

On July 29, 2025, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 hit the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. It was the world’s most powerful earthquake in the last decade. Aftershocks typically follow a megathrust earthquake.  Have there been aftershocks in Russia?

Yes, there have been aftershocks following the megathrust earthquake in Russia. The USGS even released an aftershock forecast instantly after the disaster hit the peninsula. Moreover, reports said that foreshocks also occurred before this earthquake. They occurred continuously for ten days before the main quake.

About the Kamchatka Earthquake 2025

Has there been an earthquake in Russia?  There was a megathrust earthquake on July 29 or July 30 local time in Kamchatka at an 8.8 magnitude. The region had suffered several megathrust earthquakes. In 1952, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 struck this area. 

On July 29, 2025, shallow reserve faulting occurred on the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone, specifically 136 km offshore from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 35 km. Consequently, an 8.8-M earthquake shook the Kamchatka Peninsula and surrounding areas.

1. Foreshocks

Does Russia have a lot of earthquakes? People in Kamchatka, Russia, are accustomed to geological tremors because the peninsula is an earthquake zone. 

Hundreds of earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 4 hit this region before the 8.8-M earthquake took place. The strongest had a magnitude of 7.4 and shook Kamchatka on July 20, 2025. 

However, people in Kamchatka were unaware that these phenomena were a warning from the earth about the upcoming megathrust earthquake. The foreshock on 20 July triggered a tsunami warning in the Pacific. However, there were no reports of destruction and casualties.

2. Impact

The earthquake on July 29 damaged several hundred buildings and infrastructure. Moreover, it injured 4 people in Russia. 

This earthquake also triggered a tsunami in many areas along the Pacific. In Russia, the highest tsunami wave was about 19 m. In addition, Japan reported that 21 people were injured during the evacuation.

Have There been Aftershocks in Russia?

Russia’s government agencies and the USGS have recorded numerous aftershocks following the July 29 earthquake. Therefore, the answer to the question of ‘have there been aftershocks in Russia?’ is yes. Below is more detailed information about those aftershocks.

1. USGS Forecast

Scientists at the USGS have released an aftershock forecast for the next seven days after the 8.8-M earthquake. This forecast was beneficial in improving the Russian authorities’ and Kamchatka residents’ preparedness for the aftershocks following the megathrust.

According to this forecast, the chance for the Kamchatka Earthquake to be followed by 8-M aftershocks or larger was only 2%. Moreover, USGS scientists calculated that there was a 24% chance for additional earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or larger.

However, there was a chance of over 95% that aftershocks with a magnitude between 3 and 6 would follow the main earthquake. Experts also predicted that aftershocks may continue for weeks or months after the main earthquake.

2. Number of Aftershocks and Their Magnitude

Have there been aftershocks in Russia? Yes, Russian authorities have recorded over 660 aftershocks following the 8.8-M earthquake. Within 24 hours after the main tremor, 120 aftershocks shook the area.

They have varied magnitudes, ranging from 3.5 to 6.7. However, due to the location of the epicenters, residents of Kamchatka experienced those earthquakes only at 2 to 5 MMI.

On August 3, 2025, a powerful earthquake shook the Kamchatka Peninsula. Its magnitude was 6.8. at a depth of 35 km under the ocean floor. Another strong aftershock followed on August 6. It struck the region at a 6.4 magnitude and a depth of 39.3 km. 

The most recent earthquake in Russia was on August 13. This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.2 and its location was offshore Kamchatka. However, it is not clear whether or not it is the aftershock of the 8.8-M earthquake. 

Tsunami Warning System and the 2025 Kamchatka Tsunami

The Kamchatka earthquake is so strong that it generated a tsunami across the Pacific. However, this tsunami did not cause many fatalities or significant damage in Russia and other affected countries. Why did this phenomenon occur?

Various factors can affect the severity of damage a strong tsunami can cause. One of these factors is an advanced early tsunami warning system. An advanced system can quickly deliver tsunami alerts to many people. 

Therefore, they know about the incoming hazard and have enough time to seek shelter in higher regions. Consequently, an advanced early tsunami warning system can significantly reduce the number of tsunami victims.

Have there been aftershocks in Russia? There have been over 600 aftershocks following the Kamchatka Earthquake. The strongest one was 6.8 magnitudes. However, it didn’t trigger a tsunami. To mitigate potential tsunamis in the future, countries in the Ring of Fire can buy cell broadcasters from smsbroadcaster.com.