International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes Date in the current year: April 29, 2026

An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust that generates seismic waves, which is usually caused by shifting along geological faults and results in the shaking of the Earth’s surface. Around half a million earthquakes occur each year, but about 80% of them are too weak to be felt and can only be detected with special tools. Approximately 100,000 earthquakes are felt, but only 10–20 of them are considered major (magnitude 6.0 or higher). For instance, in 2025, 16 major earthquakes caused around 8,000 fatalities.

Major earthquakes are among the most lethal natural disasters. They often occur with little to no warning, leading to devastating loss of life, as well as long-term economic, social, and psychological consequences. These disasters can destroy critical infrastructure, displace entire communities, and affect future generations long after the event occurs.

The impact of earthquakes is substantial and quantifiable. Since 1900, at least 12 major earthquakes have resulted in more than 50,000 deaths each. Earthquakes also have a severe economic impact, accounting for over a quarter of global disaster losses and causing trillions of dollars in damage in recent decades. In addition to direct destruction, earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, floods, and landslides, further damaging housing, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

Factors that shape earthquake risk include rapid urbanization in seismically active regions, weak or aging infrastructure, poverty, inequality, and inadequate enforcement of building codes. Regions at the greatest risk of significant loss of life due to earthquakes include areas where earthquakes are infrequent but powerful, as well as poorer regions with weak, poorly enforced, or nonexistent seismic building codes.

In 2026, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 29 as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes. The resolution to proclaim this international day was initiated by Uzbekistan and co-sponsored by more than 80 member states. The first observance, held in April 2026, commemorated the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Tashkent earthquake, which struck Uzbekistan’s capital on April 26, 1966. The devastating earthquake killed between 15 and 200 people and left between 200,000 and 300,000 people homeless.

The International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes is more than just a day to remember and honor earthquake victims. One of its main goals is to raise awareness of the importance of earthquake preparedness. Although earthquakes are not preventable, their impacts can be mitigated through population education and training in emergency preparedness, construction of seismic-resistant infrastructure, implementation of early warning systems, ensuring first responder and community preparedness, and establishing post-event recovery plans.