What the record shows for Ukraine
The strongest earthquake on record near Ukraine is a magnitude 6.3 in 1990, centred 2 km SSW of N?ruja, Romania - 36 years ago. The event is catalogued by USGS. See the event record.
Over the last 20 years, USGS has catalogued 23 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater within 444 km of Ukraine - roughly 1 a year. That rate describes how often the ground moves enough to be recorded, not how often damage occurs; most of these are never felt.
The NOAA NCEI database records 3 tsunamis within 444 km of Ukraine between 103 and 2014. The most significant was in 103 near Black Sea, triggered by an M7.0 earthquake.
Sources: USGS earthquake catalog, NOAA tsunami database, and the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. Figures update as the catalogs are revised.
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Ukraine sees moderate earthquakes in the Carpathians and Crimea, and is regularly reached by strong intermediate-depth shocks from Romania's Vrancea zone.
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 Ukraine.
Earthquake risk in Ukraine - FAQ
Is Ukraine at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 444 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.3 in 1990.
What was the biggest earthquake in Ukraine?
The strongest earthquake on record near Ukraine is M6.3, in 1990 (2 km SSW of N?ruja, Romania), from USGS.
Does Ukraine get tsunamis?
Yes - 3 tsunamis since 103 (most recently 2014) within 444 km, from the NOAA database.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Ukraine?
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.