An 8.8 magnitude earthquake, recorded as one of the strongest in history, struck the coasts of Russia on Tuesday, leading to tsunami warnings worldwide.
So, what defines the strongest earthquake on record?
The US Geological Survey (USGS) notes that since around 1900, several quakes measuring above 9.0 have been documented.
1. Valdivia Earthquake
The most powerful earthquake occurred in Biobio, Chile, in 1960.
This earthquake, registering a magnitude of 9.5, also referred to as the Chilean earthquake, resulted in about 1,655 fatalities and left around 2 million people displaced.
2. Great Alaska Earthquake
Four years later, Alaska experienced a massive 9.2 magnitude earthquake, triggering a tsunami that claimed at least 130 lives and inflicted over $2 billion in damage. This event is alternatively known as the Prince William Sound earthquake or the Good Friday earthquake.
3. Sumatra Andaman Islands Earthquake
In 2004, a seismic event shook Sumatra, Indonesia, and the Andaman Islands, causing a devastating tsunami that resulted in the deaths of more than 280,000 individuals and forced over a million to evacuate.
Before Tuesday’s earthquake, here are some of the largest recorded earthquakes since 1900:
- 4. Magnitude 9.1 (2011) – Japan
- 5. Magnitude 9.0 (1952) – Kamchatka Krai, Russia
- 6. Magnitude 8.8 (2010) – Chile, Biobio
- 7. Magnitude 8.8 (1906) – Esmeraldas, Ecuador
- 8. Magnitude 8.7 (1965) – Alaska, USA
- 9. Magnitude 8.6 (1950) – Arunachal Pradesh, India
- 10. Magnitude 8.6 (2012) – Sumatra, Indonesia
On Tuesday, tsunami warnings extended toward New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, and other coastal areas after the earthquake hit approximately 74 miles east-southeast of a Russian city located on the Kamchatka Peninsula, home to around 180,000 residents. A significant aftershock of 6.9 was recorded shortly after.
Although some regions advised evacuation, there were no major injuries reported.
In Honolulu, traffic swelled as tsunami alerts coincided with the afternoon rush hour. Sirens sounded as many moved to higher ground, and local schools canceled after-school activities.
Japanese meteorological agencies reported a minor tsunami measuring about 50 cm (1.6 ft) at Ishino Port in northern Japan, marking the best measurement among various locations in that area.
Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, closest to the epicenter, noted some damage and evacuations but, thankfully, no severe injuries.
