Today, we will learn about the Top 5 Most Destructive Earthquakes Ever Recorded. Every year, this natural disaster causes thousands of deaths, millions of injuries, and whatnot. Scientists measure the strength of these quakes on the Richter scale, assigning magnitude in numbers.
You must have experienced an earthquake at least once in your lifetime. However, you may not know how destructive it can be. Here is what we know about such earthquakes!
Also Read: Top 5 Tips You Should Know During Earthquake
Top 5 Most Destructive Earthquakes Ever Recorded
Here is the list of some powerful earthquakes in the earth’s history!
1. Valdivia Earthquake- 9.5
This took place on 22 May 1960, approximately 100 miles off the coast of Chile, which is parallel to the city of Valdivia. Little did you know, it continued for almost 10 minutes and triggered a huge tsunami with waves at the height of 82 feet. The after effect that is the tsunami devastated Hilo, Hawaii. During this deadly disaster, the total number of fatalities has been estimated between 1,000 and 6,000. Also, an estimated number of 3,000 people survived with severe injuries.
2. Great Alaska Earthquake- 9.2
Also known as Good Friday Earthquake, it took place on 27 March 1964 in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska. Talking about its duration, it lasted for 4.5 minutes and is considered one of the most disastrous earthquakes ever recorded in United States history. Moreover, the earthquake brought 27 feet tsunami which eventually destroyed Chenega. Because of the earthquake, 139 people lost their lives and some were badly injured too.
3. Sumatra Earthquake- 9.1
Next, comes the Sumatra Earthquake, which occurred on 26 December 2004. It is also called the Indian Ocean earthquake, rupturing the greatest fault length at a distance of 900 miles. It resulted in a tsunami with waves up to the height of 100 feet. The earthquake lasted for 8.5 to 10 minutes, causing the entire planet to vibrate as much as 0.4 inches. Even the tsunami was named the Boxing Day tsunami. Several Christian tourists in the area also got badly affected by the same.
4. Tohoku Earthquake- 9.1
The fourth most destructive earthquake took place on 11 March 2011, known as the Tohoku Earthquake. It was more precisely a huge undersea megathrust earthquake, that occurred in Japan. Just like any other deadliest earthquake, this also triggered a tsunami with waves at the height of 133 feet. Moreover, the transport facilities got blocked because of massive destruction. After several years, on 10 March 2015, it was declared that 15,894 people died, 6,152 people were injured, and 2,562 people were missing.
5. Kamchatka Earthquake- 9.0
Last but not the least, Kamchatka Earthquake is the fifth most destructive one that has ever been recorded in history. It took place on 4 November 1952, triggering a massive Pacific-wide tsunami with waves up to 50 feet. It damaged the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands by taking away the lives of 12000 people. The waves of the tsunami travelled as far as Peru, Chile and New Zealand respectively.
