Seismic Shakes Across the Globe: Earthquakes Rattle the U.S. and Beyond

In the past week, several earthquakes have shaken regions across the United States and around the world. A 3.6 magnitude earthquake was reported in Kansas on Thursday, May 15, centered in Herington at a depth of 9.3 kilometers, approximately 5.8 miles below the surface. The United States Geological Survey received 50 reports from people who felt the tremors.

Just days earlier, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tennessee on Saturday, May 10. This event was centered near Greenback at a depth of 24.9 kilometers, about 15.5 miles underground. The day before, on Friday, May 9, Alaska experienced a 4.2 magnitude earthquake near Perryville, reaching a depth of 11.7 kilometers or about 7.3 miles.

Another small earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 hit approximately 41 miles southwest of Valdez, Alaska on Monday, May 12.

Looking beyond US borders, several significant seismic events have occurred globally in recent days. Greece was hit by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, May 13, centered near Fry at a depth of 74 kilometers, roughly 46 miles down. Hours later, a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake was reported in Tonga on Wednesday, May 14, centered near Neiafu at a much deeper 243.1 kilometers, about 151 miles below the surface.

China also experienced seismic activity, with a 5.6 magnitude earthquake reported on Sunday, May 11, centered in Rikaze at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 6.2 miles.

The most powerful earthquake so far this year occurred on March 28 in Myanmar's Sagaing region, measuring 7.7 in magnitude and causing 5,456 fatalities. Other major events in 2025 include a 7.6 magnitude earthquake near the Swan Islands offshore from Honduras on February 8, a 7.4 magnitude event off the southern coast of Chile and Argentina on May 2 in the Drake Passage, and a January 7 earthquake in Tibet measuring 7.1 that resulted in between 126 and 400 deaths.

The USGS defines significant earthquakes through a formula that considers magnitude, public response reports, and potential impact. Their real-time monitoring continues to track seismic activities worldwide, providing crucial information for emergency response and public awareness.