Russia Shaken by Record Quake – Here's Why the Ring of Fire Is Earth's Most Dangerous Zone

International News: A very strong earthquake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia early Wednesday morning. The quake had a magnitude of more than 8.8, making it one of the biggest earthquakes in the area since the year 1952. According to Russian scientists, the earthquake created large waves along the coast, increasing the risk of a tsunami not just in Russia but also in countries like Japan and other areas along the Pacific Ocean.

The Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported that the earthquake was powerful enough to cause aftershocks as strong as 7.5 magnitude. These smaller but still dangerous tremors are expected to continue for several weeks.

Why Does This Region Face So Many Earthquakes?

Kamchatka is part of a dangerous zone known as the "Ring of Fire." This is a large area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen.

• The Ring of Fire extends nearly 40,000 kilometers across the Pacific.
  It is the source of about 90% of all earthquakes worldwide.
• It also contains 75% of the world’s active volcanoes, with around 452 volcanoes currently active.

The main reason for this activity is the movement of tectonic plates—huge pieces of the Earth’s surface that are always shifting. When these plates bump into each other or slide underneath, it causes powerful natural events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Countries Inside the Ring of Fire Zone

Many countries are located within or near this active region. Some of them include:

• North & South America: Chile, Peru, Mexico, USA, Canada
• Asia-Pacific: Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand
• Others: Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and parts of Antarctica

These countries are always at a higher risk of natural disasters due to their location on or near the Ring of Fire.

What Happens Next?

Authorities in Russia and nearby nations are monitoring the situation closely. People living near the coasts have been advised to stay alert for tsunami warnings and avoid low-lying areas. Rescue and emergency teams are on standby.

After such a big earthquake, it is common for smaller earthquakes, or aftershocks, to continue for days or even weeks.