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When the earth moves: six major earthquakes of 2026

Colombia, Venezuela, Mindanao: Thousands have died in powerful earthquakes this year. Six such events show that the magnitude of the quake is not the only factor determining the scale of the disaster. Is 2026 a particularly bad year for earthquakes ? The number of extremely strong quakes so far this year is not, in fact, unusual. Over the long term, around the world, there are an average of about 15 earthquakes per year registering above magnitude 7 on the Richter scale.

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Scoop News DeskColombia · Published Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 5:17 PM UTCUpdated Friday, August 14, 2026 at 4:53 PM UTC

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According to official figures, more than 6,300 people were killed in the double earthquake. On June 24, Venezuela was hit by an earthquake that proved to be by far the deadliest this year. Despite this, at least 12 people were killed, which is why it counts as one of the most significant quakes of 2026. A tsunami warning was issued after this year's earthquake, too, but fortunately the region was spared the devastation of that magnitude 9 quake 15 years ago.

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Friday, August 14, 2026 at 4:53 PM UTC
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