Recent earthquake activity across the United States has been relatively mild over the past week, with most significant seismic events occurring internationally. According to the USGS latest earthquake map, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Cruz Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands on May 1, 2025. Alaska also experienced a notable 4.4 magnitude earthquake near Ninilchik on April 26.
The Volcano Discovery earthquake archive shows several minor tremors across the United States in early May, with most registering below magnitude 2, indicating minimal impact on communities. These small seismic events are part of the normal background activity that occurs daily across the country's various fault lines.
Internationally, today's World Earthquake Report indicates more substantial activity, with two earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater and ten earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater recorded globally on May 3, 2025. A significant 5.9 magnitude earthquake was detected west of Macquarie Island on April 27, while the Kermadec Islands region experienced a 5.1 magnitude event on the same day.
March 2025 saw one of the year's most devastating earthquakes when a powerful 7.7 magnitude tremor struck Myanmar near Sagaing on March 28, resulting in 5,422 fatalities. This was the strongest earthquake in Myanmar since 1912 and destroyed critical infrastructure including highways and the capital's new airport. The military government declared a state of emergency in six regions, with the United Nations estimating over 28 million people in need of assistance.
Earlier this year, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Tibet Autonomous Region of China on January 7, causing between 126 and 400 deaths. Other major seismic events in 2025 have included a 7.6 magnitude earthquake off the Swan Islands of Honduras on February 8 and a 7.0 magnitude tremor near Haʻapai, Tonga on March 30, though both fortunately resulted in no reported fatalities.
Scientists continue to monitor seismic patterns worldwide, with earthquake early warning systems being developed to provide critical seconds of advance notice before shaking begins in vulnerable regions of the United States West Coast and other high-risk areas globally.