On May 28, 1995, the small settlement of Neftegorsk, located in the Sakhalin region of Russia, experienced a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0 Mw. This seismic event occurred just offshore and was felt across the region, causing widespread panic and destruction. The earthquake achieved a maximum intensity of IX on the Mercalli scale, which is categorized as 'Violent' and indicates significant damage to infrastructure. Buildings and homes in Neftegorsk were not constructed with earthquake-resistant designs, which contributed to the heavy toll on the settlement's structures and its inhabitants. As the earth shook, families were caught off guard, and the chaos quickly unfolded, hampering rescue and emergency response efforts.The disaster resulted in nearly 2,000 deaths and left approximately 750 individuals injured. In the aftermath, estimates of the total financial damages ranged dramatically from $64.1 million to as high as $300 million. The catastrophic loss of life and the destruction of property led to a decision not to rebuild Neftegorsk, effectively erasing the settlement from the map. Today, the former site of Neftegorsk serves as a poignant reminder of the force of nature and the vulnerabilities of human settlements in seismically active zones. The event prompted discussions on disaster preparedness and building code improvements in regions prone to earthquakes, as well as considerations for resettlement strategies for affected populations in the future.