The first “Big One” earthquake in more than a decade has rattled the world. What if it had happened anywhere else? Say, California? Or Japan?

A strong earthquake rattled southern and central Mexico, interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the new year as seismic alarms sounded.

The year 2025 was marked by a series of powerful earthquakes across the globe. From Himalayas to island nations, seismic events left hundreds dead, destroyed homes and infrastructure and displaced millions.

Two moderate earthquakes hit Russia’s Far East near Severo-Kurilsk and Kamchatka, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The southern Mexican state of Guerrero shook Friday morning during a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey.