Strongest Earthquakes
Earthquakes are some of the deadliest natural calamities that cause a catastrophe for mankind. Most powerful earthquakes are the result of tectonic shifts, due to which these earthquakes occur. Some of the most devastating quakes in history have resulted in tremendous loss, such as loss of life, loss of properties, etc. Earthquakes are an unpredictable event, but scientists can still estimate the likelihood of them in certain areas, but the dates cannot be predicted. Some of the largest magnitude earthquakes have been felt in regions like Japan, Indonesia, California, Nepal, Iran, Mexico, etc. In this article, we will get to know about the top 10 strongest earthquakes ever, which have caused massive destruction.
Top 10 deadliest earthquakes in history with the most devastating quakes
- Valdivia, Chile (1960)
- Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA (1964)
- Sumatra, Indonesia (2004)
- Tōhoku, Japan (2011)
- Kamchatka, Russia (1952)
- Maule, Chile (2010)
- Ecuador-Colombia (1906)
- Assam-Tibet, India (1950)
- Sumatra, Indonesia (2005)
- Atacama, Chile (1922)
Valdivia, Chile (1960) – 9.5 Mw
The strongest ever recorded earthquake on our list of the most powerful earthquakes is the Valdivia, Chile earthquake, which occurred on May 22, 1960. It was a 9.5 magnitude earthquake that lasted for 10 minutes and caused a tsunami of 25 m. The estimated death toll was between 1,000 and 6,000 people and had a financial loss of around $3 to $5 billion. The aftermath of this event resulted in severe flooding, landslides, and massive displacement of people. This was the first-ever earthquake that was studied thoroughly; with modern systemic instruments, this earthquake is said to be one of the most deadly earthquakes in history.
Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA (1964) – 9.2 Mw
The next strongest earthquake on our list of the largest magnitude earthquakes ever felt is the Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA, earthquake, which occurred on March 27, 1964, at 5:36 p.m. local time. Around 131 people died during these 4.5 minutes of natural calamity. The magnitude of this earthquake was 9.2, and it was estimated to be around a loss of $2.3 billion.
Sumatra, Indonesia (2004) – 9.1 Mw
On December 26, 2004, the Sumatra, Indonesia, earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. It estimated around 230,000 deaths and damage of $15 billion. It affected 14 countries across the Indian Ocean. The magnitude of this earthquake was 9.1 Mw. It is said to be one of the most powerful earthquakes, which resulted in over 1.7 million people’s displacement, major infrastructure loss, economic loss, and had a massive impact on mankind.
Tōhoku, Japan (2011) – 9.1 Mw
The next earthquake on a list of the most devastating quakes is the March 11, 2011, Tōhoku, Japan earthquake. It lasted around six minutes and had a magnitude of 9.1 Mw. More than 15,000 people died, and nearly 2,500 people went missing. It estimated a loss of $235 billion.
Kamchatka, Russia (1952) – 9.0 Mw
The 4th November 1952 Kamchatka, Russia, earthquake is the next earthquake on our list of the strongest earthquakes ever. It was around 9.0 MW in magnitude and lasted for 10 minutes, which caused severe destruction, and nearly 2300 people died.
Maule, Chile (2010) – 8.8 Mw
The next earthquake on our list of the deadliest earthquakes in history is the February 27, 2010, Maule, Chile earthquake, which lasted for three minutes and had a magnitude of 8.8 MW. It resulted in around 525 deaths and 25 missing cases. The damage is estimated to be around $30 billion.
Ecuador-Colombia (1906) – 8.8 Mw
The next earthquake on our list of the most powerful earthquakes is the January 31, 1906, Ecuador-Colombia earthquake. It resulted in thousands of casualties. It lasted between 5 to 10 minutes and had a magnitude of 8.8 MW.
Assam-Tibet, India (1950) – 8.6 Mw
Another earthquake on our list of the most devastating quakes is August 15, 1950, Assam-Tibet, India, which had a magnitude of 8.6 MW. It lasted around 1 to 3 minutes and had a death toll of more than 4800. It resulted in landslides and forest fires.
Sumatra, Indonesia (2005) – 8.6 Mw
The next earthquake on our list of the largest magnitude earthquakes is the March 28, 2005, Sumatra, Indonesia, earthquake, which lasted for two minutes. It had a magnitude of 8.6 MW and had an estimated death toll of more than 1300. It resulted in a lot of infrastructure damage and displacement of people.
Atacama, Chile (1922) – 8.5 Mw
The final earthquake to be added to our list of the deadliest earthquakes in history is the November 11, 1922, Atacama, Chile earthquake. It lasted for around two minutes and had a magnitude of 8.5 MW. The death toll was 1500. It also resulted in a tsunami, an earthquake, and infrastructure damage and created a massive panic and displacement of people.
FAQs
1. What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is a natural calamity that occurs due to the shaking of the Earth, resulting in the shift of the tectonic plates, which is caused by the release of sudden energy from the Earth‘s crust.
2. What are the causes of earthquakes?
Earthquakes can be caused by many reasons, such as the shift in the tectonic plates, human activities, volcanic activities, etc.
3. What should you do during an earthquake?
During the most devastating quakes, one should always be prepared. If you are indoors, hide under the table or hold onto something; in the case of outdoors, stay away from buildings, trees, and power lines, and if you’re driving, stop and stand in a clear area.
4. How to be prepared for an earthquake?
Some of the strongest earthquakes ever have taught us today to be prepared for an earthquake. You need to secure the heavy objects in your house. Always be ready with an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, first aid, food, water, necessities, etc. Create an emergency plan to keep yourself safe in such cases.
5. What should be done after an earthquake?
After an earthquake, one should immediately check for injuries and provide first aid. Look for any fire or gas leak. Ensure that you are constantly listening to any emergency updates.
