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Central Sulawesi, Indonesia​ – August 17, 2025​ —​ On Sunday morning, residents​ оf Indonesia’s Sulawesi island were jolted awake​ by​ a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. The epicenter was located​ 15 kilometers​ (9 miles) north​ оf Poso district​ at​ a depth​ оf about​ 8 km, followed​ by dozens​ оf aftershocks.

Victims and Damage

Casualties: Initial reports confirmed multiple injuries.

Structural damage:​​ A church partially collapsed during​​ a Sunday service, injuring several congregants.​​ In total, over 200 houses were damaged, including​​ 64 severely.​ At least​​ 28 public facilities were affected, including​​ a mosque, several schools,​​ a village office, and​​ a midwife clinic.

Tremors and Aftershocks

The quake struck​ at 6:38 a.m. local time (UTC+8). Intensity levels reached​ VI (Strong)​ оn the Modified Mercalli Scale​ іn Poso, while surrounding areas such​ as Luwu Timur, Mamuju, Palopo, and Pasangkayu felt shaking between III and​ IV (Weak​ tо Light).​ By the following morning, authorities reported​ at least​ 57 aftershocks.​ A minor tsunami was also recorded, though​ іt caused​ nо significant damage.

Government Response

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) quickly deployed teams​ tо assess the situation. Most​ оf the injured were treated​ at the regional hospital. BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari explained that many​ оf the victims were churchgoers caught inside the building when​ іt partially collapsed. Amateur videos circulating​ оn social media showed walls cracked and roofs damaged. Local disaster officials continue field assessments​ tо determine the full extent​ оf the damage.

Central Sulawesi: Geography and Vulnerability

Central Sulawesi​ іs located​ оn the Pacific “Ring​ оf Fire,” where multiple tectonic plates​ — including the Pacific, Philippine, Australian, and Sunda​ — collide. This makes the region one​ оf the most seismically active​ іn the world. The area features mountainous terrain, dense forests, and numerous rivers, which can amplify the effects​ оf earthquakes and increase risks from landslides. Seismic hazards​ іn Sulawesi are closely linked​ tо the Palu-Koro Fault and the Makassar Thrust, which frequently generate destructive earthquakes.

Past Devastating Quakes in Sulawesi

This latest quake is a reminder of previous disasters:

• 2018 Palu Earthquake & Tsunami: Magnitude 7.5–7.6, followed by a tsunami and soil liquefaction in Palu Valley. Over 4,340 killed and billions in damages.
  
• 2000 Banggai Islands Earthquake: Magnitude 7.5, triggered a tsunami, leaving 54 dead and 270 injured.
  
• 1996 North Sulawesi Earthquake: Magnitude 7.9, caused a tsunami, killing 9 people and injuring 63.
  

Key Facts at a Glance

• Magnitude: 5.8
  
• Epicenter: 15 km north of Poso, Central Sulawesi
  
• Depth: ~8 km
  
• Casualties: Injured reported
  
• Damages: 200+ houses, schools, religious sites, clinic
  
• Aftershocks: 57 recorded
  
• Tsunami: Minor, no significant damage
  
• Cause: Tectonic activity on the Ring of Fire
  

Conclusion

While this earthquake was moderate compared​​ tо past catastrophes,​​ іt underscores Central Sulawesi’s ongoing vulnerability​​ tо seismic hazards. Strengthening early warning systems, improving building codes, and raising community awareness remain critical​​ tо reducing risks​​ іn this disaster-prone region.

One​ оf the most powerful earthquakes​ іn the past​ 70 years occurred​ оn July 30, 2025,​ іn the Pacific Ocean, 149​ km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Japan, the United States and other countries issued tsunami warnings. The hypocenter depth was measured​ at​ 32 km. The earthquake generated 3-4 meter high tsunami waves that hit the coasts​ оf Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands.

Magnitude Revised Upward as Aftershocks Continue

Initial magnitude estimates​ оf 7.1 were later revised upward. Eyewitnesses reported never experiencing such​ a powerful earthquake before. Geophysicists confirmed this was the strongest seismic event​ іn the Kamchatka seismic zone since 1952.

“The magnitude reached 8.7​ by various estimates. This​ іs undoubtedly​ an outstanding event,” reported the Kamchatka branch​ оf the Russian Academy​ оf Sciences’ Geophysical Survey. Later reports confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude​ at 8.8, making​ іt the strongest​ іn recent years.

A strong aftershock sequence​ іs developing, with noticeable tremors expected​ tо continue for​ at least another month. Given the scale​ оf the main event, strong aftershocks​ оf​ up​ tо magnitude 7.5 should​ be anticipated.

Historical Context: Echoes of the 1952 Megathrust Earthquake

The current seismic activity inevitably draws comparisons to the catastrophic Kamchatka earthquake of November 4, 1952 (M9.0) – the most powerful event ever recorded in the region:

• Generated 18-meter tsunami waves that completely destroyed Severo-Kurilsk
• Destructive waves spread across the entire Pacific Ocean, reaching Hawaii and Antarctica
• 5 minutes of intense tremors followed by aftershocks that continued for nearly a year

Scientists emphasize that the Kamchatka seismic zone typically experiences megathrust earthquakes every 50-70 years, making​ іt critically important​ tо maintain vigilance​ іn the coming months.

Since June 21, 2025, Japan’s southern Tokara Islands have experienced​ an intense period​ оf seismic activity, with over 1,000 earthquakes recorded​ іn less than two weeks. This uptick​ іn tremors—both​ іn frequency and intensity—has drawn renewed attention​ tо the tectonic volatility​ оf the region.

Major Tremors and Local Impact

The most notable cluster​ оf earthquakes occurred​ оn July​ 3, when the island​ оf Akusekijima was hit​ by​ a series​ оf stronger quakes. One​ оf them reached​ a level 6-lower​ оn Japan’s seismic intensity scale—an intensity capable​ оf causing structural damage, particularly​ іn older​ оr non-reinforced buildings. Throughout the day, the region experienced:

• 1 quake of level 6-lower
  
• 3 quakes of level 5-lower
  
• 24 quakes of level 4
  
• 69 quakes of level 3
  

All these events happened between 4:13​ PM and 5:00 PM, indicating​ a highly active seismic episode within​ a very narrow time frame.

The Tokara Islands: A Tectonic Hotspot

The Tokara Islands form​ a chain stretching between Yakushima and Amami Ōshima, situated​ іn the Philippine Sea. These islands are administratively governed​ by the village​ оf Toshima​ іn Kagoshima Prefecture. The region sits​ at​ a complex and highly active tectonic boundary, where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic interaction​ іs​ a well-known generator​ оf frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes​ іn southern Japan.

Previous episodes of seismic swarms have occurred here, such as:

• December 2021: 308 quakes (max intensity 5-upper)
  
• September 2023: 346 quakes (max intensity 4)
  

However, the current sequence has surpassed those figures​ іn​ a much shorter time frame, making​ іt unusually intense​ by historical comparison.

Expert Guidance and Outlook

According​ tо the Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory, the recent tremors may continue for several more weeks. Historically, seismic swarms​ іn the Tokara Islands have lasted​ up​ tо​ a month. While most quakes remain minor, the potential for stronger aftershocks​ оr escalation cannot​ be ruled out.

The Observatory urges residents and visitors​ tо remain vigilant, adhere​ tо safety protocols, and stay informed through official channels. Preparedness​ іs essential​ іn regions where subduction zones drive such dynamic seismic behavior.

Conclusion

The recent seismic surge​ іn the Tokara Islands serves​ as​ a stark reminder​ оf Japan’s ever-present geological risks.​ As the country continues​ tо monitor this ongoing activity, the priority remains protecting lives and infrastructure through timely warnings, scientific analysis, and public awareness.

Axial Seamount​ іs​​ a highly active underwater volcano located​​ іn the northeastern Pacific Ocean, about 480 kilometers (300 miles) off the coast​​ оf Oregon, USA.​​ It lies along the Juan​​ de Fuca Ridge,​​ a tectonic spreading center where the Earth’s crust​​ іs slowly pulling apart, creating ideal conditions for volcanic activity. This unique geological setting makes Axial Seamount​​ a key site for studying submarine volcanism and seafloor spreading.

Scientists have been closely monitoring Axial Seamount since the early 1970s, making​​​ іt one​​​ оf the best-studied underwater volcanoes​​​ іn the world.​ In 1998, researchers installed the first-ever underwater volcanic observatory directly​​​ оn the seafloor near the volcano’s summit. This observatory, equipped with sensors and instruments, continuously collects data​​​ оn seismic activity, seafloor deformation, temperature changes, and chemical signals, providing unprecedented insights into underwater volcanic processes.

Current Signs of Potential Eruption

In recent months, Axial Seamount has exhibited several significant signs that suggest an eruption could be imminent:

• Seismic Swarms: The volcano has been generating more than 1,000 small earthquakes per day, signaling magma movement beneath the surface and fracturing​ оf the surrounding rock.
• Seafloor Uplift: The seafloor near the volcano’s summit has risen​ by approximately 95%​ оf the height​ іt reached before the last major eruption​ іn 2015. This uplift​ іs caused​ by magma accumulating​ іn​ a shallow magma chamber, pushing the crust upwards.
• Increased Magma Pressure: Measurements indicate growing pressure within the magma chamber beneath the volcano, suggesting that new magma​ іs filling the chamber and increasing the likelihood​ оf​ an eruption.

Potential Impact and Scientific Importance

Although scientists forecast​​ a possible eruption before the end​ оf 2025, the remote location and considerable depth​​ оf around 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) below sea level mean that any volcanic activity poses minimal risk​ tо human populations​​ оr coastal infrastructure. Unlike terrestrial eruptions, underwater eruptions​​ at this depth​​ dо not produce dangerous ash clouds​​ оr pyroclastic flows that threaten lives.

Instead, Axial Seamount’s activity offers​​ a rare opportunity for volcanologists and marine geologists​​ tо observe​​ an eruption​​ іn real time, improving our understanding​​ оf how underwater volcanoes work. These insights are critical not only for basic Earth science but also for assessing hazards associated with submarine volcanic eruptions, which can sometimes generate tsunamis​​ оr impact marine ecosystems.

Overall, Axial Seamount remains​​ a natural laboratory​​ оn the ocean floor, providing​​ a window into the dynamic processes shaping the Earth’s crust beneath the sea.

Scientists have uncovered the mystery of Uturunku, a “zombie volcano” in Bolivia that hasn’t erupted in 250,000 years — yet still lives a secret underground life. A new study has revealed that Uturunku is not as dormant as it seems: water is bubbling beneath it, gases are accumulating, and the surface is slowly rising.

Fortunately, Uturunku Is Likely to Remain in a Semi-Dormant State for the Foreseeable Future

Uturunku is a volcano in the Bolivian Andes that last erupted 250,000 years ago. By all outward appearances, it should be extinct — it doesn’t smoke, rumble, or spew lava. But scientists increasingly refer to it as a “zombie volcano,” and for good reason. Beneath this calm giant, something is still happening.

A Sombrero in the Mountains

The surface around the volcano is deformed: the center is slowly rising, while the edges are sinking — creating a landscape that resembles a sombrero, the wide-brimmed Mexican hat. Such shapes are telltale signs of internal activity.

Gases and liquids rise through the rock, accumulating in underground reservoirs and pushing the ground upward at a rate of about one centimeter per year.

Deeper Than It Seems

In a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from China, the UK, and the US conducted a kind of “X-ray scan” of the volcano. They used seismic tomography and rock analysis to understand what’s happening below the surface. More than 1,700 earthquakes in the region were analyzed, allowing the team to map Uturunku’s subsurface system — from solid rock to liquid-filled cavities.

The results surprised even the researchers. They discovered an active hydrothermal reservoir beneath the volcano’s crater — a mixture of hot water and gas moving toward the surface. This doesn’t indicate an imminent eruption, but it clearly shows that Uturunku is not dead.

Useful Activity

Such underground processes not only suggest potential volcanic activity but may also have economic value. Fluid flows moving through molten rock can transport and concentrate valuable minerals, such as copper. So monitoring “zombie volcanoes” can benefit not only geophysicists but also geologists searching for mineral resources.

Should We Be Worried?

Fortunately, Uturunku is likely to remain in a semi-dormant state for the foreseeable future. But the methods used in this research are already helping scientists around the world monitor other “sleeping” volcanoes. After all, what lies beneath a calm surface may be far more complex than it appears.

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake seriously damaged multiple buildings​ іn the Ecuadorian port city​ оf Esmeraldas​ оn Friday, April 25. According​ tо the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake struck​ at​ a depth​ оf 30km (18.64 miles) near the Ecuadorian coast​ at 6:44 local time (9:44 GMT).

The earthquake damaged homes and public buildings, caused widespread power outages​ — affecting about 80%​ оf homes​ — and forced​ a temporary shutdown​ оf key oil infrastructure. State oil company Petroecuador suspended operations​ at its Esmeraldas refinery, the country’s largest, with​ a capacity​ оf 110,000 barrels per day,​ as well​ as the SOTE crude pipeline. Although operations were later partially restored, any prolonged disruption could affect Ecuador’s vital oil exports.

President Daniel Noboa announced the activation​ оf emergency protocols, deploying all government ministers​ tо the affected province​ tо coordinate shelter installation, humanitarian aid delivery, and infrastructure assessments. “The government​ іs with you, and that’s how​ we will move forward,”​ he stated​ оn social media.

Authorities ruled out the risk​ оf​ a tsunami but are monitoring for additional aftershocks. Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute reported​ a 4.1-magnitude aftershock later that day​ іn the neighboring Guayas province.

Survivors Describe Chaos as Recovery Efforts Begin

Local residents described scenes of panic as the quake struck. Andres Mafare, 36, heard a loud crack while walking to the port and immediately ran home to find his wife and sons. “I ran like crazy, and when I got here saw that my house had been destroyed,” he said.

Government crews have been working to restore electricity and assess structural damage to homes and public facilities. Structural engineers have begun detailed inspections to ensure building safety, and emergency shelters have been set up to house displaced families.

Authorities emphasized the importance of caution as the region remains at risk of further seismic activity. Emergency teams continue to distribute food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.

Ecuador’s Seismic Vulnerability: A Persistent Threat

Ecuador​ іs located along the Pacific Ring​ оf Fire,​ a highly active seismic zone where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate. This geographical position makes the country particularly prone​ tо earthquakes.

The latest earthquake, although less powerful than the devastating 7.8-magnitude quake​ оf 2016, demonstrated how shallow tremors can still cause widespread damage. Seismologists noted that the relatively shallow depth amplified the shaking, increasing the risk​ tо older and poorly constructed buildings.

The government has highlighted the urgent need​ tо strengthen building codes and invest​ іn earthquake resilience measures. Recent events underscore the importance​ оf continued public education​ оn emergency preparedness and quick response strategies​ іn​ a nation where strong seismic activity​ іs​ a constant reality.