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The Kermadec Trench northeast of New Zealand is one of the most earthquake-prone places on Earth, producing large offshore quakes almost every week. This page pulls real records for Kermadec Islands: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Kermadec Islands.
Earthquake risk in Kermadec Islands - FAQ
Is Kermadec Islands at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 432 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 389 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M8.2 in 1917.
What was the biggest earthquake in Kermadec Islands?
The strongest earthquake on record near Kermadec Islands is M8.2, in 1917 (1917 Kermadec Islands, New Zealand Earthquake), from USGS.
Does Kermadec Islands get tsunamis?
Yes - 18 tsunamis since 1917 (most recently 2023) within 389 km, from the NOAA database.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Kermadec Islands?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.