Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Here are 14 of the deadliest quakes that have shaken the world to its core.
The list covers some of the most catastrophic earthquakes in history, from the devastation in Haiti in 2010 to the massive quake that hit San Francisco in 1906. Understanding these events helps us grasp the sheer power of nature and the importance of preparedness.
We chose these earthquakes based on their fatality rates, economic impact, and long-term effects on the affected areas. While some might argue other quakes deserve a mention, these were chosen for their historical significance and the lessons they offer.
1. The Haiti Earthquake of 2010
On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near the capital of Haiti, leaving devastating and widespread damage.
With an estimated death toll of between 100,000 and 160,000 and more than 300,000 injuries reported, this disaster is considered one of the deadliest earthquakes in modern history.
2. The Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976
A massive earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck the city of Tangshan in China in the early morning of July 28, 1976.
With most people asleep in their homes and 85% of the buildings destroyed, the death toll from this disaster is estimated to be around 242,000 people, with approximately 164,000 injuries reported.
3. The Sumatra Earthquake of 2004
The next earthquake we are looking at is the Sumatra Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 and occurred off the coast of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Ocean Earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that had waves reaching 100 feet and affected multiple countries, resulting in over 230,000 deaths and millions of people displaced from their homes.
4. The Great Peruvian Earthquake of 1970
The Great Peruvian Earthquake of 1970, also known as the Ancash earthquake, measured 7.9 and struck Peru on the afternoon of May 31st.
While the earthquake struck under the ocean, it still had a devastating impact on the fishing port Chimbote and the entire region, leaving an estimated 70,000 dead.
5. Sichuan Earthquake of 2008
The Sichuan earthquake that occurred in the mountains of southwestern China on May 12, 2008, also known as the Great Wenchuan earthquake, was a deadly magnitude 7.9 that killed more than 90,000 people and left millions homeless.
Rescue efforts were hindered by aftershocks and landslides, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
6. The Kashmir Earthquake of 2005
On October 8, 2005, a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous Kashmir region of Pakistan and India, claiming over 79,000 lives and leaving millions without homes or access to basic necessities and displaced for months.
The remote location of the earthquake-affected areas and landslides made it difficult for rescue efforts to reach those in need quickly.
7. The Shaanxi Earthquake of 1556
Considered the deadliest earthquake in recorded history, the Shaanxi Earthquake of 1556 struck China’s Shaanxi Province on January 23, 1556.
Estimates suggest that the earthquake reached a magnitude of approximately 8.0 and killed over 830,000 people, possibly reducing the population by 60 percent.
After the earthquake’s devastation, numerous stone buildings in the area have been upgraded to structures made of earthquake-resistant materials.
8. The Gulang Earthquake of 1920
On May 23, 1927, the Gulang Earthquake struck Gulang County in China’s Gansu Province with a magnitude of 7.6, leaving approximately 40,900 people dead.
A landslide buried a town near the epicenter of Gulang, and a stream was dammed in Wuwei County, creating a new lake.
9. The Haiyuan Earthquake of 1920
On December 13, 1920, the Haiyuan Earthquake struck Haiyuan County in northwestern China, causing landslides, mudflows, and fissures in the ground, destroying many buildings and homes.
With a magnitude of 8.2, this earthquake caused massive destruction and resulted in an estimated 273,400 deaths.
10. The Kanto Earthquake of 1923
Just before noon on September 1, 1923, the Kanto Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.9, hit Japan’s Tokyo and Yokohama areas.
The earthquake caused buildings to collapse, triggered fires, and a typhoon, leaving an estimated 142,800 people dead and 1.5 million homeless.
It also started social and political changes in the country as it revealed many flaws in disaster preparedness and response measures.
11. The Ashgabat Earthquake of 1948
One of the deadliest and most violent earthquakes in history, the Ashgabat Earthquake, struck Turkmenistan U.S.S.R. on October 6, 1948. With a magnitude of 7.3, it caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure and resulted in more than 40,000 deaths.
The city of Ashgabat was almost destroyed and had to be rebuilt from scratch, highlighting the importance of construction techniques in earthquake-prone areas.
12. The Messina Earthquake of 1908
The Messina earthquake of 1908 occurred in southern Italy. At 7.1 magnitude, it was one of the most destructive earthquakes in European history.
It caused widespread devastation, with an estimated death toll of about 123,000 people and major cities destroyed.
13. The Quetta Earthquake of 1935
In the early morning of May 31, 1935, the Quetta earthquake struck Balochistan in British India (now part of Pakistan) with a magnitude of 7.7.
While lasting only three minutes, the destruction was catastrophic, with an estimated death toll of over 30,000 people and many more injured or displaced.
14. The Manjil-Rudbar Earthquake of 1990
The Manjil-Rudbar earthquake struck northern Iran on June 21, 1990, with a magnitude of 7.4.
It devastated the cities of Rudbar and Manjil, destroying over half a million homes with estimates of $8 billion in damages and causing an estimated death toll of between 35,000 and 50,000 people.
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