Top 10 Most Devastating Earthquakes
Abrupt release of energy from the Earth’s crust results in shock-waves that can be felt on the surface. These waves cause earthquakes, which are also called quakes, tremors and temblors. Numerous devastating earth quakes have occurred throughout human history. Some of those earthquakes were so devastating that they claimed the lives of millions, while others were less catastrophic. Depending on the death toll and devastation caused by earthquakes in the past, one can easily compile a list of some of the most devastating earthquakes ever.
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1
Shaanxi, China
On January 23, 1556, the most devastating earthquake ever struck most parts of Shaanxi, China. It is believed that the magnitude of the Shaanxi Earthquake was 8.0. About 820, 000 people lost their lives as a result of this earthquake.
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2
Tangshan, China
On July 28, 1976, the second most devastating earthquake ever jolted Tangshan, China. It is believed that 655, 000 people lost their lives as a result of the destruction caused by this earthquake.
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3
Indian Ocean
A major earthquake of magnitude 9.1 struck the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004, causing a Tsunami which levelled most the coastal areas in its path. 227, 898 lives were lost in this earthquake.
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4
Aleppo, Syria
On October 11, 1138, Aleppo was jolted by a major earthquake which caused the deaths of 230, 000 people. It is considered to be the 4th most devastating earthquake ever.
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5
Damghan, Iran
Damghan, Iran was nearly destroyed as a result of a major earthquake on December 22, 856 A.D which resulted in the loss of 200,000 lives. The magnitude of this earthquake is believed to be 7.9.
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6
Haiyuan, China
On December 16, 1920, Haiyuan was jolted by a fatal earthquake. Almost 200, 000 people lost their lives and an area 237 km long was totally devastated. The magnitude of this earthquake was 8.5.
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7
Ardabil, Iran
Ardabil, which was once the largest city in north western Persia, was destroyed by a major earthquake in March, 23, 893 A.D. About 150, 000 people lost their lives as a result of this calamity. The magnitude of this earthquake was unknown.
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8
Kanto, Japan
Tokyo and its surrounding areas where nearly destroyed on September 1, 1923, by a severe earthquake of 7.8 magnitude. The death toll was estimated to be 142, 000.
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9
Hokkaido, Japan
On August 31, 1930, Hokkaido was jolted by a major earthquake of 7.2 magnitude, which resulted in a total of 137, 000 fatalities.
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10
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
October 6, 1948 proved to be a catastrophic day for the citizens of Ashgabat. It was announced that about 110, 000 people lost their lives as a result of an earthquake which struck Ashgabat on that day. The magnitude of this earthquake was 7.3.
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