From the depths of the Indian Ocean to the shores of Japan, Earth's tectonic plates have unleashed unparalleled power. Let's journey through history and witness the largest earthquakes since 1900.
Ocean's Fury: 2004
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near Sumatra and the Andaman Islands unleashed a tsunami that devastated coastal regions. This event, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, serves as a stark reminder of nature’s raw power. The event caused immense loss of life and changed the landscape forever.
Chile's Seismic Shocks
Chile has seen its share of seismic activity. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake, along with the 2010 Maule earthquake, stand out as some of the strongest ever recorded. These events caused widespread damage, showcasing the vulnerability of infrastructure and the resilience of the Chilean people in the face of adversity.
Global Rumble of Plates
The list includes various earthquakes that occurred around the globe. The 1811-1812 New Madrid events in the Mississippi Valley, the 1700 Cascadia Megathrust, the 1964 Good Friday event in Alaska, and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, demonstrate that seismic activity isn’t confined to any specific location.
Other Major Events
The 1906 Ecuador-Colombia and the 1755 Lisbon earthquakes also rank amongst the largest since 1900. Each quake has left an indelible mark on history. The Kamchatka region of Russia experienced major quakes in both 1952 and is predicted to have one in 2025, highlighting the ongoing nature of these geological forces.