Major Earthquakes Of The 20th Century

San Francisco, USA (1906)

In one minute an earthquake destroyed this city with the most extensive ground rupturing ever witnessed by mankind. Huge differences in the shaking of ground on sedimented rock versus bedrock gave geologists a new understanding of earthquake hazards. Up to 6000 people were killed and much of the damange was caused by secondary hazards such as broken gas lines and disrupted water supplies. Did you know that uncontrolled fires burnt in San Francisco for 4 days and 4 nights. These fires accounted for much of the aftermath and destruction caused by the earthquake.

Valdivia, Chile (1960)

This magnitude 9.5 earthquake is the strongest ever recorded. Severe ground shaking caused massive damage and generated a tsunami with waves as high as 38 feet. It caused hundreds of deaths in Chile, Hawaii, Japan and the Phillippines.

Tangshan, China (1976)

At least a quarter of a million people died in what was one of the most deadliest earthquakes of the 20th century. Centered in the Hebei Province, it occurred in the early hours of the morning lasting just 10-15 seconds. This short quake was followed by an intense aftershock just 16 hours later which contributed to much of the death toll.

Mexico City, Mexico (1985)

A magnitude 8.1 subduction zone earthquake devastated Mexico City in 1985 killing almost 9000 people. The epicenter of the quake was almost 220 miles offshore and despite this the damage was extensive. The city shook for almost 3-4 minutes with many areas especially those that were built on the silty sediments of Lake Texcoco take a big hit.

Kobe, Japan (1995)

This fierce subduction zone earthquake first struck near Awaji Island where the ground heaved up almost 9 feet. Seismic waves then propogated through the crust to Kobe (12 miles away). The damage caused was extensive making this one of the worlds most expensive disasters.