THE WORLD’S LARGEST EARTHQUAKES IN 2019 AND 2020
Abstract
In 2019 there were 32 earthquakes across the world that either reached or exceeded a moment magnitude (Mw) of 6.5. One had a moment magnitude greater than or equal to 8.0, with nine between 7.0 and 7.9. At least 35 earthquakes claimed human lives; in total there were at least 276 victims. The 26 May 2019 earthquake in Peru ranked highest in terms of the released energy, with a moment magnitude of 8.0. The strongest earthquake in Europe, with a moment magnitude of 6.4, struck Albania on 26 November 2019. It was the most devastating earthquake as well, with at least 51 victims. In 2020 there were 29 earthquakes across the world that either reached or exceeded a moment magnitude of 6.5. Nine of them had a moment magnitude between 7.0 and 7.9. At least 14 earthquakes claimed human lives; in total there were at least 203 victims. Two strong earthquakes in Croatia also claimed human lives. The 22 July 2020 earthquake offshore of Alaska ranked highest in terms of the released energy, with a moment magnitude of 7.8. The strongest earthquake in Europe, with a moment magnitude of 7.0, struck the Aegean Sea on 30 October 2020. It was also the most devastating earthquake, with at least 119 victims.
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