From Indonesia to Venezuela: Why some regions are more prone to earthquakes

WEB DESK: Earthquakes can occur almost anywhere in the world, but some regions experience them far more frequently than others. Indonesia, Japan, Colombia and Venezuela are among the countries particularly exposed to this natural hazard, although their geological settings differ.

The key factor behind the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in these countries is their geography. They are located near active tectonic plate boundaries, making them more exposed to seismic activity as the movement and interaction of Earth’s plates can release enormous amounts of energy and trigger powerful earthquakes.

Here is a look at recent earthquakes in these countries, arranged chronologically from the latest to the earliest, and the geological reasons behind their vulnerability to seismic activity.

Indonesia

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island today (on August 15), killing at least 38 people, damaging buildings and disrupting power and communications, Reuters reported. The quake generated tsunami waves of less than one metre before the warning was lifted about three hours later, while landslides and damaged roads hampered rescue efforts around Nagekeo Regency.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, where several tectonic plates interact. Much of the country’s earthquake activity occurs at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. The US Geological Survey says about 81 per cent of the world’s largest earthquakes occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt.

Japan

Japan’s location at the intersection of several major tectonic plates makes it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan on July 28, triggering a tsunami warning and damaging infrastructure in Kyushu, according to ABC News.

Japan has several major subduction zones, including the Japan Trench, Nankai Trough and Ryukyu Trench. IRIS says four major tectonic plates converge around the country. When large offshore earthquakes suddenly displace the seabed, they can also generate tsunamis.

Colombia

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in Choco department. AP reported widespread damage, including collapsed buildings and people trapped under rubble. More than 1,600 buildings were affected, with dozens destroyed.

Colombia’s earthquake risk stems from its complex tectonic setting. Along its western side, the Nazca Plate is forced beneath the South American Plate, generating significant seismic activity. Major faults running through the Andes further expose the country to earthquakes.

Venezuela

Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes in rapid succession on June 24, with preliminary magnitudes of around 7.1 and 7.5. The earthquakes caused severe destruction around La Guaira and Caracas, according to AP and ReliefWeb.

Venezuela lies along the boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates. Its Boconó fault system is among the country’s major active faults, where tectonic movement occurs largely through strike-slip motion. Shallow earthquakes can be particularly destructive because they produce stronger shaking closer to the Earth’s surface.

Although powerful earthquakes recently struck Venezuela and Colombia, there is no established evidence that the Venezuelan earthquakes directly triggered the Colombian quake. Both countries are independently situated in seismically active regions.