HighLights
  1. 5.29-magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan, China at shallow depth.
  2. It comes amid recent global seismic activity across multiple earthquake-prone regions.
  3. Key seismic zones are Ring of Fire, Alpide Belt, Himalayan Arc.

Earthquake news: A magnitude 5.29 earthquake struck Sichuan, China on Sunday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). Authorities are assessing the extent of damage and the overall impact of the earthquake.

Recent Earthquakes Across the World

The latest earthquake in China has raised concerns after a series of seismic activities were reported across the globe in the past week. From twin tremors in Venezuela to separate earthquakes in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Japan and Northern California, several strong quakes have been recorded in different geographical locations.

Venezuela Earthquake 

According to Reuters report, thirty-three people have been rescued so far after Venezuela was hit by devastating twin earthquakes this weekend. Several of those rescued were children, but tens of thousands of people are still missing. The death toll from twin earthquakes has also risen to over 1,400 as of Saturday. 

ALSO READ: Venezuela Earthquake: Will Tremors 14,000 Km Away Push Up Petrol Prices In India?

Most Active Seismic Zones 

Amid the ongoing seismic activity, here’s a look at key seismic zones where earthquakes mainly happen.

Ring of Fire

The Ring of Fire, surrounding the Pacific Ocean, is considered the most active zone. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), about 81 per cent of the world’s largest earthquakes occur here. This zone includes regions like Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Aleutian Islands, the west coast of North America, and the Andes in South America. Some of the most powerful earthquakes in history, including those in Chile (1960), Japan (2011), and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, all occurred in this belt.

Alpide Belt

The second major zone is the Alpide Belt. This belt stretches from Southeast Asia through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean region, and into the Atlantic. Around 17 per cent of major earthquakes occur here. In the past, this belt has seen devastating earthquakes, including the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the 2004 Indonesia earthquake.

Himalayan Arc

The Himalayan region is also highly active and lies in Seismic Zone VI, which is considered the highest-risk zone. It is formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates and affects countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and China.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The third active zone is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Interestingly, it is an underwater mountain range and runs through the Atlantic Ocean. Iceland experiences earthquakes as it is located on this ridge.

You May Also Like To Watch:


Also In News