Last Updated:
Powerful Earthquakes: From Chile to Japan, let’s take a look at the top 10 most powerful earthquakes that shook the world.
Nearly 1,500 earthquakes occur in Japan every year. Additionally, every five minutes, some form of seismic activity can be recorded in the country. (File Photo: AP)
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, ranking it among the 10 largest earthquakes ever recorded. The quake occurred at about 11:25 am, roughly 119 km south-east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city. The powerful tremors triggered a tsunami that impacted coastal areas of Russia’s Kuril Islands and Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
Six days later, on Tuesday, another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 was recorded in the same region. This quake occurred at 1:57 am local time, about 108 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
From Chile to Japan, let’s take a look at the top 10 most powerful earthquakes that shook the world:
Biobio, Chile – 1960
In 1960, Biobio, Chile, experienced a magnitude 9.5 earthquake, commonly known as the Valdivia earthquake or the Great Chilean earthquake. It resulted in 1,655 deaths and left 2 million people homeless.
Alaska, USA – 1964
The Great Alaska earthquake, also known as the Prince William Sound earthquake or the Good Friday earthquake, struck Alaska, USA, in 1964 with a magnitude of 9.2. It caused 130 fatalities and led to $2.3 billion in damages.
Sumatra, Indonesia – 2004
A magnitude 9.1 earthquake hit Sumatra, Indonesia, in 2004, triggering massive tsunamis that claimed over 280,000 lives and displaced 1.1 million people across South Asia and East Africa.
Tohoku, Japan – 2011
In 2011, Tohoku, Japan, was struck by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake, known as the Great Tohoku earthquake. It resulted in more than 15,000 deaths and displaced 130,000 people, causing significant devastation.
Kamchatka Krai, Russia – 1952
The world’s first recorded magnitude 9 earthquake occurred in Kamchatka Krai, Russia, in 1952. This quake generated a massive tsunami that reached Hawaii, causing over $1 million in damages.
Biobio, Chile – 2010
Biobio, Chile, faced a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010, which killed 523 people and destroyed more than 370,000 homes.
Esmeraldas, Ecuador – 1906
In 1906, Esmeraldas, Ecuador, was hit by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, known as the Ecuador-Colombia earthquake. It produced a strong tsunami that killed 1,500 people and reached as far north as San Francisco.
Alaska, USA – 1965
In 1965, a magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck Alaska, USA, generating a tsunami reportedly 35 feet high.
Arunachal Pradesh, India – 1950
A magnitude 8.6 earthquake hit Arunachal Pradesh, India, in 1950, known as the Assam-Tibet earthquake. It caused 780 deaths and produced intense shaking, sand blows, ground cracks, and large landslides across the region.
Sumatra, Indonesia – 2012
Sumatra, Indonesia, was struck by a magnitude 8.6 earthquake in 2012, causing heavy shaking. Most casualties were attributed to heart attacks.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in …Read More
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in … Read More
view comments
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
