This is a list of earthquakes in 1961. Only magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquakes appear on the list. Lower magnitude events are included if they have caused death, injury or damage. Events which occurred in remote areas will be excluded from the list as they wouldn't have generated significant media interest. All dates are listed according to UTC time. A fairly busy year although the largest event was only a magnitude 7.6. This was a big contrast to 1960 which had three events above magnitude 8. Peru had the largest event. Japan had five magnitude 7.0+ events. Overall there was not a great deal of deaths with the total being 128. Iran had the most with 60 from an event in June.
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
Earthquakes in 1961Approximate epicenters of the earthquakes in 1961
|
Strongest magnitude | Peru, Madre de Dios Region, (Magnitude 7.6) August 19 |
---|
Deadliest | Iran, Fars Province (Magnitude 6.4) June 11 60 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 128 |
---|
|
9.0+ | 0 |
---|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 15 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 91 |
---|
5.0–5.9 | 2 |
---|
|
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By death toll
More information Rank, Death toll ...
Close
- Note: At least 10 casualties
By magnitude
More information Rank, Magnitude ...
Rank |
Magnitude |
Death toll |
Location |
MMI |
Depth (km) |
Date |
1 |
7.6 |
0 |
Peru, Madre de Dios Region |
( )
|
612.2 |
August 19 |
= 2 |
7.5 |
2 |
Japan, Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu |
X (Extreme)
|
35.0 |
February 26 |
= 2 |
7.5 |
0 |
Peru, Ucayali Region |
( )
|
619.9 |
August 31 |
3 |
7.4 |
0 |
New Zealand, Kermadec Islands |
( )
|
421.1 |
June 18 |
= 4 |
7.3 |
0 |
Indonesia, Gulf of Tomini |
( )
|
144.8 |
March 28 |
= 4 |
7.3 |
0 |
New Hebrides, Vanuatu |
VII (Very strong)
|
25.0 |
July 23 |
= 4 |
7.3 |
0 |
United Kingdom, South Sandwich Islands |
( )
|
129.2 |
September 1 |
= 5 |
7.2 |
0 |
Japan, off the east coast of Honshu |
V (Moderate)
|
30.0 |
January 16 |
= 5 |
7.2 |
0 |
Peru, Madre de Dios Region |
( )
|
597.5 |
August 31 |
= 6 |
7.1 |
0 |
Japan, eastern Hokkaido |
VIII (Severe)
|
43.9 |
August 11 |
= 6 |
7.1 |
0 |
United Kingdom, South Sandwich Islands |
( )
|
100.9 |
September 8 |
= 7 |
7.0 |
0 |
Japan, off the east coast of Honshu |
V (Moderate)
|
30.0 |
January 16 |
= 7 |
7.0 |
0 |
New Zealand, Kermadec Islands |
( )
|
30.0 |
March 7 |
= 7 |
7.0 |
0 |
China, southern Xinjiang Province |
IX (Violent)
|
35.0 |
April 13 |
= 7 |
7.0 |
0 |
Japan, Ryukyu Islands |
V (Moderate)
|
30.6 |
July 18 |
Close
- Note: At least 7.0 magnitude
January
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
JanuaryStrongest magnitude | 7.2 Mw Japan |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 9 |
---|
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
2[1] | United Kingdom, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands | 6.8 | 79.3 |
| | | |
5[2] | United States, Andreanof Islands, Alaska | 6.5 | 31.9 |
| | | |
5[3] | Australia, East Sepik Province, Papua and New Guinea | 6.9 | 142.7 |
| | | |
5[4] | France, southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia | 6.6 | 35.0 |
rowspan="2"| Doublet earthquake. | | |
5[5] | France, southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia | 6.6 | 35.0 |
| | |
10[6][7] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russian SFSR | 6.6 | 58.5 | VI
| | | |
16[8][9] | Japan, off the east coast of Honshu | 7.2 | 30.0 | V
| | | |
16[10][11] | Japan, off the east coast of Honshu | 6.3 | 30.0 | IV
| Aftershock. | | |
16[12][13] | Japan, off the east coast of Honshu | 7.0 | 30.0 | V
| Aftershock. | | |
16[14][15] | Japan, off the east coast of Honshu | 6.7 | 30.0 | V
| Aftershock. | | |
22[16] | United Kingdom, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands | 6.8 | 15.0 |
| | | |
Close
February
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
FebruaryStrongest magnitude | 7.5 Mw Japan |
---|
Deadliest | 7.5 Mw Japan 2 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 2 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 8 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
4[17] | Taiwan, off the east coast | 6.1 | 35.0 |
| | | |
6[18][19] | Australia, Bougainville Island, Papua and New Guinea | 6.5 | 45.0 | VI
| | | |
12[20][21] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.9 | 38.1 | V
| | | |
12[22] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.3 | 34.0 |
| Aftershock. | | |
14[23] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.0 | 45.7 |
| Aftershock. | | |
15[24] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.1 | 33.9 |
| Aftershock. | | |
26[25][26][27] | Japan, Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu | 7.5 | 35.0 | X
| 2 people were killed and a further 7 were injured. 170 homes were damaged and another 170 were destroyed. A tsunami was reported. | 2 | 7 |
26[28] | Philippines, Luzon | 6.1 | 15.0 |
| | | |
27[29] | United States, Fox Islands (Alaska) | 6.1 | 30.0 |
| | | |
Close
March
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
MarchStrongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw Indonesia |
---|
Deadliest | 6.5 Mw Indonesia 2 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 2 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
7[30] | New Zealand, Kermadec Islands | 7.0 | 30.0 |
| | | |
7[31] | China, Hubei Province | 4.9 | 0.0 | VII
| 25 homes were destroyed. Unknown depth. | | |
11[32][33] | France, Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti | 6.2 | 15.0 | VIII
| | | |
15[34][35] | Australia, west of New Ireland (island), Papua and New Guinea | 6.1 | 30.0 | V
| | | |
16[36][37][38] | Indonesia, off the north coast of Flores | 6.5 | 45.0 | VIII
| 2 people were killed and a further 6 were injured. Some damage was caused. | 2 | 6 |
16[39][40] | Indonesia, Flores | 6.0 | 35.0 | VI
| Aftershock. | | |
18[41] | New Zealand, Auckland Islands | 6.7 | 15.0 |
| | | |
20[42] | Tonga | 6.8 | 213.0 |
| | | |
28[43] | Indonesia, Gulf of Tomini | 7.3 | 144.8 |
| | | |
28[44] | United States, Andreanof Islands, Alaska | 6.1 | 45.4 |
| | | |
Close
April
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
AprilStrongest magnitude | 7.0 Mw China |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Close
May
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
MayStrongest magnitude | 6.6 Mw United Kingdom |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 10 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
7[60][61] | Australia, west of Bougainville Island, Papua and New Guinea | 6.2 | 60.0 | V
| | | |
7[62] | Philippines, east of Mindanao | 6.3 | 75.0 |
| | | |
11[63][64] | Chile, Bio-Bio Region | 6.1 | 25.0 | VI
| | | |
16[65] | Japan, southeast of Kyushu | 6.0 | 25.5 |
| | | |
22[66] | Tonga | 6.0 | 27.0 |
| | | |
23[67][68] | Turkey, off the coast of Mugla Province | 6.4 | 35.0 | VI
| | | |
23[69][70] | Nicaragua, Chinandega Department | 6.2 | 102.4 | V
| | | |
28[71] | United Kingdom, south of Fiji | 6.6 | 228.0 |
| | | |
31[72] | Mexico, Gulf of California | 6.0 | 15.0 |
| | | |
31[73][74] | Australia, East New Britain Province, Papua and New Guinea | 6.0 | 50.0 | V
| | | |
Close
June
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
JuneStrongest magnitude | 7.4 Mw New Zealand |
---|
Deadliest | 6.4 Mw Iran 60 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 90 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 10 |
---|
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
1[75][76][77] | Ethiopia, Amhara Region | 6.2 | 25.0 | IX
| 30 people were killed and at least 101 were injured. Some damage was caused. | 30 | 101+ |
2[78][79] | Ethiopia, Amhara Region | 6.0 | 20.0 | VIII
| Aftershock. | | |
4[80][81] | China, western Xizang Province | 6.2 | 15.0 | VII
| | | |
9[82] | Soviet Union, Caspian Sea, offshore Azerbaijan | 6.0 | 35.0 |
| | | |
11[83][84][85] | Iran, Fars Province | 6.4 | 15.0 | VIII
| 60 people were killed and major damage was caused. | 60 | |
11[86][87][88] | China, Yunnan Province | 5.6 | 15.0 | VIII
| 5,740 homes were destroyed. | | |
14[89] | Guatemala, off the west coast | 6.0 | 100.0 |
| | | |
16[90] | Colombia, Cesar Department | 6.2 | 114.4 |
| | | |
18[91] | New Zealand, Kermadec Islands | 7.4 | 421.1 |
| | | |
19[92][93] | Philippines, off the west coast of Tablas Island | 6.0 | 25.0 | VI
| | | |
19[94] | Afghanistan, Badakhshan Province | 6.7 | 195.1 |
| | | |
27[95][96][97] | China, Yunnan Province | 6.1 | 15.0 | VIII
| 11,400 homes were destroyed. | | |
Close
July
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
JulyStrongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw New Hebrides |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 8 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
6[98] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.6 | 34.9 |
| | | |
7[99][100] | Australia, West New Britain Province, Papua and New Guinea | 6.5 | 48.4 | VI
| | | |
8[101] | France, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia | 6.1 | 35.0 |
rowspan="2"| Doublet earthquake. | | |
8[102] | France, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia | 6.2 | 35.0 |
| | |
18[103][104] | Japan, Ryukyu Islands | 7.0 | 30.6 | V
| | | |
23[105] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.1 | 25.0 |
| Foreshock. | | |
23[106] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.0 | 25.0 |
| Foreshock. | | |
23[107][108][109] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 7.3 | 25.0 | VII
| A tsunami was caused with minor damage being reported. | | |
26[110] | New Zealand, off the north coast | 6.5 | 145.0 |
| | | |
28[111][112] | Ecuador, Pastaza Province | 6.6 | 142.1 | V
| | | |
Close
August
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
AugustStrongest magnitude | 7.6 Mw Peru |
---|
Deadliest | 6.8 Mw Japan 10 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 10 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 4 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
1[113][114] | United Kingdom, eastern Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands | 6.4 | 25.0 | VI
| | | |
11[115][116] | Japan, eastern Hokkaido | 7.1 | 43.9 | VIII
| | | |
11[117][118] | Indonesia, eastern Sulawesi | 6.0 | 20.0 | VII
| | | |
14[119] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.0 | 50.0 |
| | | |
17[120] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.5 | 151.0 |
| | | |
19[121] | Peru, Madre de Dios Region | 7.6 | 612.2 |
| | | |
19[122][123][124] | Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture, Honshu | 6.8 | 15.0 | VII
| 10 people were killed and some damage was caused. | 10 | |
31[125] | Peru, Madre de Dios Region | 7.2 | 597.5 |
| Foreshock. | | |
31[126] | Peru, Ucayali Region | 7.5 | 619.9 |
| | | |
Close
September
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
SeptemberStrongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw United Kingdom |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
1[127] | United Kingdom, South Sandwich Islands | 7.3 | 129.2 |
| | | |
5[128] | Soviet Union, Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan | 6.0 | 130.0 |
| | | |
5[129][130] | United States, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska | 6.0 | 44.0 | VI
| | | |
8[131] | United Kingdom, South Sandwich Islands | 7.1 | 100.9 |
| | | |
11[132] | Venezuela, off the coast of | 6.1 | 120.6 |
| | | |
17[133] | Taiwan, off the east coast | 6.1 | 34.1 |
| | | |
19[134] | Bolivia, Chuquisaca Department | 6.5 | 574.8 |
| | | |
20[135] | Australia, eastern Bismarck Sea, Papua and New Guinea | 6.0 | 15.0 |
| | | |
29[136] | Indonesia, Minahasa Peninsula | 6.0 | 75.0 |
| | | |
Close
October
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
OctoberStrongest magnitude | 6.8 Mw Indonesia |
---|
Deadliest | 6.6 Mw Chile 1 death |
---|
Total fatalities | 1+ |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
---|
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
1[137] | China, Gansu Province | 5.7 | 0.0 | VII
| 10 homes were destroyed. Unknown depth. | | |
8[138] | Indonesia, west of Halmahera | 6.8 | 120.0 |
| | | |
10[139] | Indonesia, Papua (province) | 6.3 | 265.0 |
| | | |
18[140][141][142] | Chile, Concepcion, Chile | 6.6 | 20.0 | VII
| At least 1 person was killed and some damage was caused. | 1+ | |
19[143] | Argentina, Neuquen Province | 6.2 | 149.0 |
| | | |
23[144] | Indonesia, Talaud Islands | 6.2 | 15.0 |
| | | |
26[145] | Australia, Bismarck Sea, Papua and New Guinea | 6.5 | 20.0 |
| | | |
26[146][147] | Indonesia, Batu Islands | 6.2 | 28.9 | VI
| | | |
Close
November
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
NovemberStrongest magnitude | 6.6 Mw Indonesia |
---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Close
December
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
DecemberStrongest magnitude | 6.7 Mw 2 events |
---|
Deadliest | 6.7 Mw Colombia 23 deaths |
---|
Total fatalities | 23 |
---|
|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
---|
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
---|
6.0–6.9 | 8 |
---|
Close
More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
4[156][157] | China, southern Qinghai Province | 6.1 | 15.8 | VII
| | | |
9[158] | Chile, off the coast of Los Lagos Region | 6.7 | 25.0 |
| | | |
14[159][160] | Indonesia, Papua (province) | 6.0 | 15.0 | VI
| | | |
20[161][162] | Colombia, Tolima Department | 6.7 | 162.9 |
| 23 people were killed and major damage was caused. | 23 | |
24[163] | Japan, Hokkaido | 6.0 | 118.0 |
| | | |
24[164][165] | Chile, off the coast of Bio-Bio Region | 6.1 | 25.0 | VI
| | | |
27[166][167] | New Zealand, Wellington Region, North Island | 6.4 | 20.0 | VII
| | | |
30[168] | United States, Rat Islands, Alaska | 6.5 | 15.0 |
| | | |
Close
"M 6.0 – Tonga". United States Geological Survey. May 22, 1961. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
"M 6.2 – Ethiopia". United States Geological Survey. June 1, 1961. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
"M 6.2 – Ethiopia". United States Geological Survey. June 1, 1961. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
"M 6.0 – Ethiopia". United States Geological Survey. June 2, 1961. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
"M 6.0 – Ethiopia". United States Geological Survey. June 2, 1961. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
"M 6.6 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. July 6, 1961. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
"M 6.1 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. July 23, 1961. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
"M 6.0 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. July 23, 1961. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
"M 7.3 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. July 23, 1961. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
"M 7.3 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. July 23, 1961. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
"M 6.0 – Vanuatu". United States Geological Survey. August 14, 1961. Retrieved March 11, 2017.