M5.2 Earthquake Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia

On December 12, 2025 at 17:43 UTC, a magnitude 5.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 57 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia, at a depth of 78.9 km and coordinates 50.8904°, 156.8617°. This earthquake was detected by 302 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 416, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 951 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.3 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred 6 days ago 84 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Russia, a region characterized by the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone on the northwestern Pacific Ring of Fire. The nearest mapped fault system is the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. View all earthquakes in Russia.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia?

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck 57 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia on December 12, 2025 at 17:43 UTC had a depth of 78.9 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 50.8904°, 156.8617°, which is 57 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia. View all earthquakes in Russia.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.2 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.4 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 5.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 84 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Russia had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Russia was the M9.0 Kamchatka earthquake of November 4, 1952. Today's magnitude 5.2 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

What should I do after an earthquake?

If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.

M5.2 Earthquake 57 km ENE of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia — December 12, 2025

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