Our globe has been permanently changed by the ruthless force of earthquakes. These geological events have rocked civilizations to their very core throughout history, resulting in tremendous devastation and human casualties.
In this article, we have compiled the list of the top 10 deadliest earthquakes ever recorded. You will learn the name of the earthquake, where it occurred, how many people died, and what caused it.
10. Kashmir Earthquake
The October 8, 2005, Kashmir Earthquake, commonly referred to as the South Asian earthquake or the Kashmir earthquake of 2005, was a catastrophic seismic occurrence. It had a huge impact on the area, resulting in extensive devastation and a considerable number of fatalities.
The Kashmir area, which encompasses sections of northern India, northeastern Pakistan, and eastern Afghanistan, was where the majority of the earthquake occurred. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the earthquake's epicenter was close to the town of Muzaffarabad.
One of the worst earthquakes of the twenty-first century was the one that struck Kashmir. It tragically resulted in a fatality and seriously damaged local towns' infrastructure.
There may have been 80,000 to 87,000 fatalities as a result of the earthquake. These figures vary among reports and evaluations.
Tens of thousands of individuals suffered injuries, many of them serious, frequently as a result of the destruction of infrastructure and structures.
Due to the number of homes and structures that were destroyed by the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless.
The Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate collided, causing the Kashmir Earthquake. Due to continuous tectonic plate movements, this area is seismically active. In this instance, the Indian Plate is moving northward and slamming into the Eurasian Plate, creating a collision that is putting tremendous strain on the fault lines.
The "Balakot-Bagh Fault" is the precise fault that caused the earthquake in 2005. The earthquake was caused by the unexpected release of built-up tension along this fault line. It measured at about 7.6 on the Richter scale.
The region's highly populated metropolitan centers, the absence of earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and the area's remoteness and harsh terrain, which complicated rescue and relief operations, all contributed to the earthquake's devastating effects.
Following the earthquake in Kashmir, there was a global outpouring of sympathy, with several nations and organizations donating goods and services to the afflicted areas.
9. The Sichuan Earthquake
On May 12, 2008, the Sichuan Earthquake—also referred to as the Wenchuan Earthquake—devastatingly struck China's Sichuan region.
Wenchuan County, in the southern Chinese province of Sichuan, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, served as the epicenter of the Sichuan Earthquake. The provincial capital of Chengdu was among the surrounding regions that were impacted by the earthquake.
A lot of people died as a result of the devastating earthquake, which also caused extensive damage. Over 87,000 people were officially confirmed dead, according to Chinese authorities, while tens of thousands more were injured. Given the challenges in accessing rural places and accurately recording all casualties, the true numbers may have been greater.
The intricate tectonic processes in the area led to the Sichuan Earthquake. It was principally caused by the Longmenshan Fault, which is where the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate collided. This fault is well-known for its seismic activity and is a component of the wider Himalayan earthquake zone. These tectonic plate movements resulted in a quick release of tension, which led to a strong earthquake.
With a magnitude of 7.9, the earthquake was a significant discharge of seismic energy. Buildings, infrastructure, and communities all throughout the impacted area sustained significant damage as a result. In response to the tragedy, the Chinese government began a large rescue and recovery operation that included rebuilding and upgrading buildings to make them more earthquake-resistant.
8. The Great Kanto Earthquake
On September 1, 1923, Japan was the victim of a devastating earthquake known as the Great Kanto Earthquake.
The epicenter of the earthquake was situated close to the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama in the Kanto area. Because of the terrible effects it had on this heavily populated and industrialized region, it is sometimes referred to as the "Great Kanto Earthquake."
One of the worst earthquakes in recorded history was the Great Kanto Earthquake. With estimates of the death toll ranging from 100,000 to 142,800 persons, it caused a significant loss of life. Due to the devastation brought on by the earthquake and ensuing flames, tens of thousands more people suffered injuries, and hundreds of thousands were left homeless.
Tectonic plate motion in the area was what triggered the earthquake. It specifically happened in the spot where the Philippine Sea Plate and the Pacific Plate meet. The earthquake was caused by the movement of these plates, which produced a great deal of seismic activity.
The Great Kanto Earthquake's extensive flames were one of its most noticeable features. Due to the city's predominately wooden structures and the prevailing winds, flames swiftly spread throughout Tokyo and Yokohama after the earthquake destroyed gas lines. A sizable amount of the disaster's deaths and destruction were brought on by these flames.
Japanese society was significantly impacted by the earthquake and its aftereffects. As a result, there were considerable adjustments made to both urban planning and building design, favoring earthquake-resistant architecture. The catastrophe also increased social and political unrest, which aided in the emergence of radical political movements in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s.
7. The Haiti Earthquake
The Haiti Earthquake sometimes referred to as the Haiti Earthquake of 2010, was a catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
The village of Léogâne, which is situated about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, was close to the epicenter of the earthquake. Haiti is vulnerable to earthquakes because of its location at the meeting point of the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate.
One of the worst earthquakes of the twenty-first century was the one that hit Haiti. It caused a terrible loss of life; estimates of the number of fatalities vary, but it is widely agreed that more than 160,000 people died. Numerous thousands lost their homes, while tens of thousands were injured. The capital city of Port-au-Prince and other adjacent locations were severely damaged by the earthquake.
The Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault, a major fault that separates the Caribbean Plate from the North American Plate, is what moved, causing the earthquake. Stress built up along the fault as the Caribbean Plate moved eastward in relation to the North American Plate. The enormous ground shaking that ravaged Haiti was the result of the stress's release as an earthquake.
The impact of the earthquake in Haiti was made worse by a number of factors, including the nation's dense population, poor building construction methods, and a lack of preparation for such a devastating catastrophe. In Port-au-Prince, the earthquake worsened the deaths and devastation by damaging or destroying several shoddy structures and infrastructure.
Humanitarian aid and support were provided by the international community to aid Haiti's citizens in their earthquake recovery. To make Haiti more robust to future earthquakes, efforts were made to repair the nation's infrastructure and raise construction standards.
6. The Gansu Earthquake
On December 16, 1920, a catastrophic earthquake that went by the name of the Haiyuan Earthquake struck the Chinese province of Gansu.
The Gansu Earthquake's epicenter was close to the town of Haiyuan in the province of Gansu in north-central China. This area, which is a part of Asia's seismically active zone, has seen several earthquakes over the years.
One of the deadliest natural disasters of the 20th century is said to have occurred as a result of the Gansu earthquake. With estimates of the death toll ranging from about 200,000 to 235,000 individuals, it caused a terrible loss of life. Many people were left homeless while many more suffered injuries and numerous houses and buildings were destroyed.
The intricate fault structures in the area saw tectonic activity that led to the Gansu Earthquake. In particular, it happened as a result of the Indian Plate crashing into the Eurasian Plate. The result of this tectonic collision was the release of enormous tension along geological faults in the form of a strong earthquake.
The earthquake was a significant seismic event with a magnitude that was estimated to be between 7.8 and 8.5. The region's susceptibility and the fact that many local structures weren't made to resist powerful earthquakes contributed to the widespread death toll and devastation. Rescue and relief activities were very difficult because of the difficult terrain, which was isolated and steep.
5. The Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, sometimes known as the "Boxing Day Tsunami," struck. In recorded history, it was one of the worst natural disasters.
The Indian Ocean coasts of numerous nations were primarily affected by the earthquake and following tsunami. The earthquake's epicenter occurred off the Indonesian island of northern Sumatra's west coast.
There were an unbelievable amount of fatalities and extensive destruction brought on by the tsunami. The range of estimates for the Indian Ocean Tsunami's fatality toll is between 230,000 and 280,000. Millions of people lost their houses, thousands more suffered injuries, and many more were hospitalized.
There was a significant underwater megathrust earthquake that caused the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. It was among the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, with a moment magnitude of 9.1 to 9.3. The region's intricate tectonic interconnections are what caused the earthquake.
The Sunda Trench, a barrier where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Burma Plate, was the primary reason for the earthquake. The seabed suddenly lifted and displaced a significant amount of water as stress that had built up along this fault was released. From the epicenter of this displacement, a succession of strong tsunami waves spread outward.
The tsunami waves moved quickly across the Indian Ocean, striking the shores of 14 nations, including many others like Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. With some waves reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more, these waves inflicted extensive damage along the shorelines.
4. The Aleppo Earthquake
The Aleppo Earthquake, which also went by the names Aleppo Earthquake of 1138 and Earthquake of 1138, was a catastrophic earthquake that struck the city of Aleppo, which is today a part of Syria.
In the Middle Ages, on October 11, 1138, the Aleppo Earthquake occurred. Aleppo was a significant city on the Silk Road trade route at the time, serving as a key hub for trade, politics, and culture in the area.
Due to the historical setting, it is challenging to determine with certainty the precise number of fatalities caused by the earthquake.
One of the worst earthquakes in recorded history, the Aleppo earthquake is thought to have killed some 230,000 people, according to various estimates of the death toll.
The Aleppo earthquake was brought on by tectonic movement along a nearby fault line. It is specifically thought to have been caused by the African Plate and the Arabian Plate moving along a fault line close to the eastern Mediterranean area.
These tectonic plates colliding produced a strong seismic event that caused severe ground shaking and damage to infrastructure and structures in Aleppo and the adjacent areas.
The region of Aleppo and the neighboring area were severely affected by the earthquake. It resulted in extensive devastation, including the collapse of walls, structures, and buildings.
In addition to the deaths, the earthquake also significantly damaged the economy and culture. Aleppo's fame in trade and commerce was badly harmed, and many of the city's historic and architectural gems were damaged or destroyed.
3. The Tangshan Earthquake
The Tangshan Earthquake, commonly referred to as the Great Tangshan Earthquake, was a catastrophic earthquake that struck Tangshan, Hebei Province, China, in the early hours of July 28, 1976.
Northeastern China's Tangshan, a densely inhabited and industrialized region at the time, was close to the earthquake's epicenter. Near Beijing, Tangshan is located along China's eastern coast.
With estimates of the death toll ranging from between 242,000 to 655,000 individuals, it caused a terrible loss of life.
In addition to the shocking death toll, the earthquake destroyed most of the local infrastructure, inflicted serious injuries, and left many people homeless.
Tectonic plate motion was what led to the Tangshan Earthquake. It happened on the Tangshan Fault, a section of the North China Plain Fault System that is greater in scope. The contact between the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian Plate led to the formation of this fault system.
The strike-slip motion along the fault, in which the Earth's crust on either side of the fault slid past each other horizontally, was the particular mechanism for this earthquake. The earthquake was caused by the enormous quantity of energy released by this action.
With a Richter scale magnitude of 7.5, the Tangshan Earthquake was felt over a sizable area. It caused extensive destruction and the collapse of several structures, including those that were not built properly. The depth of the earthquake was rather shallow, which increased its destructive potential.
2. The Antakya Earthquake
The Antioch Earthquake, sometimes referred to as the Antakya Earthquake, struck the area of Antakya in antiquity; now, Turkey. This earthquake is frequently linked to important historical and religious occurrences.
The ancient city of Antioch, which was close to the eastern Mediterranean coast and not far from the contemporary Turkish city of Antakya, experienced an earthquake. One of the important Roman towns, Antioch, was significant to the early Christian church.
Due to its age, the Antakya Earthquake's particular specifics about victims are not well-documented, however, it is clear that it was a disastrous occurrence. Thousands of people may have died, according to historical reports, and the city's structures and infrastructure sustained significant damage.
The Antakya Earthquake's precise cause is unknown since there were no contemporary seismological recording or study techniques at the time. The area is vulnerable to seismic activity because it is close to the tectonic plate border between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. The continual convergence and collision of these plates generate tectonic forces that frequently result in earthquakes in this region.
The Antakya Earthquake is significant historically because it is said to have happened around 115 AD, just when early Christianity was taking root in the area. Given that Christians were known for offering help and relief to the earthquake's victims, some stories contend that this earthquake may have contributed to the early spread of Christianity.
Many facts regarding the Antakya Earthquake are still hypothetical because of the scant historical documents from this time period, but it is nonetheless a significant occurrence in the history of seismic activity and early Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
1. The Shaanxi Earthquake
One of the worst earthquakes in recorded history was the Shaanxi Earthquake, sometimes referred to as the Jiajing Earthquake.
The Shaanxi Earthquake occurred in the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi. The city of Huaxian, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the provincial capital of Xi'an, was close to the epicenter of the earthquake. The adjacent provinces and areas were also impacted by the earthquake.
On January 23, 1556, during China's Ming Dynasty, the Shaanxi Earthquake struck.
With an estimated death toll of 830,000, this earthquake is thought to have produced an extraordinarily high number of victims. There were several towns and villages in the area that were affected by the extensive damage. The fact that the impacted areas are heavily inhabited and largely unprepared can be blamed for the high death toll.
A result of tectonic plate movements in the area was the Shaanxi Earthquake. In particular, the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate Collision, which generated strong seismic activity along the local faults, was to blame. This tectonic plate collision caused a quick release of energy in the form of seismic waves, which caused the earth's surface to shake ferociously.
The structures and infrastructure in the area were not built to resist such strong seismic shocks, which increased the earthquake's devastating force. Many traditional Chinese structures of the period were constructed using unreinforced materials, making them susceptible to collapsing during violent tremors. As a result, the size of the earthquake, its shallow depth, and the fragility of the buildings in the afflicted region all had a role in the unusually high number of fatalities.