Earthquakes happen daily across the world. However, their impact varies. Some earthquakes are never felt and others have devastating and deadly consequences.
Here's a look at some of the deadliest earthquakes recorded by death count:
1556 Shaanxi: 830,000
More than 450 years ago, an earthquake devastated China. The Shaanxi earthquake killed approximately 830,000 people on Jan. 23, 1556. Historical records show that the earthquake was brief but powerful enough to change the landscape. The earthquake occurred before the Richter scale was developed. However, it is estimated to have had a magnitude of 8.0.
How the strongest earthquakes can rewrite our maps
When the shaking and tsunamis subside, the coastline can look a bit different.
1976 Tangshan: 242,000
China was again rocked by another devastating earthquake in 1976. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it measured 7.8 in magnitude. The official death toll was 242,000.
2004 Indian Ocean: More than 225,000
A magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a devastating tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004. Low-lying areas were decimated as waves, some measuring over 100 ft. high, washed ashore. According to the United Nations, more than 225,000 people were killed in 14 countries.
2010 Haiti: Approx. 220,000
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. It reportedly lasted about 35 seconds. According to the United Nations, approximately 220,000 people were killed in the quake. In addition, the U.N. says 1.5 million people were left homeless.
Turkey detains building contractors as quake deaths pass 33K
Even though Turkey has, on paper, construction codes that meet current earthquake-engineering standards, they are too rarely enforced.
2023 Turkey/Syria: At least 35,000
The death toll continues to rise from the earthquake on Feb. 6. It measured 7.8 in magnitude and killed at least 35,000 people. The earthquake was so powerful, homes more than 60 miles from the epicenter were leveled.
