These are the countries that are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire: how dangerous is this area?

The recent series of significant seismic activities has raised concerns among authorities in several countries, including Venezuela, Japan, Colombia, Indonesia, Spain, and Peru. These tremors have registered magnitudes ranging from 6.8 to 7.5, with some resulting in casualties and injuries. The occurrence of these earthquakes has drawn attention due to the geographical locations affected, many of which lie within the so-called “Ring of Fire,” or Pacific Rim of Fire. The Ring of Fire is an extensive belt that encircles much of the Pacific Ocean, spanning approximately 40,000 kilometers. It is marked by intense tectonic activity caused by the interaction of numerous tectonic plates. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this area accounts for nearly 90 percent of all earthquakes recorded globally. Additionally, it hosts around 75 percent of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes, totaling 452, which underscores its significance in the occurrence of both earthquakes and volcanic phenomena. The Ring of Fire extends from New Zealand through regions of Asia and Oceania, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and continues via the Philippines, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. It borders the Asian coast of the Pacific Ocean and reaches into Alaska. From there, it descends along the western coastline of the American continent, encompassing areas in countries such as Peru and Chile. In total, the Ring of Fire comprises 31 countries spread across America, Asia, and Oceania. In the Americas, it includes nations like Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, particularly Alaska and its western coast, and Canada, especially its Pacific shoreline. The Aleutian Islands are also part of this tectonically active zone. In Asia and Oceania, the Ring of Fire encompasses territories such as Russia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, East Timor, Brunei, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and New Zealand. This geographic distribution highlights the vast extent of the region, characterized by the interaction of tectonic plates and a high presence of volcanoes and seismic activity. The origin of much of the seismic activity in the Ring of Fire is linked to the continuous movement of tectonic plates forming the Earth's crust. In areas where these plates interact, they can collide, separate, or slide against each other, accumulating tension over long periods. When this pressure exceeds the strength of rocks, a sudden rupture occurs, releasing stored energy and generating seismic waves capable of causing powerful ground movements. Scientists from Oregon State University, experts in volcanic and seismic dynamics, explained during a conversation with CNN that these processes are part of the planet's natural dynamics and cannot be prevented. They emphasized the importance of understanding and preparing for such events to mitigate their impact on communities located in these highly active zones.