The 10 Biggest Earthquakes Of The Past 50 Years

Photo Credit: bbc.com

With Nepal’s earthquake striking a massive 7.8 on the Richter scale, photos displaying the scale of devastation have shaken the world.


Considering it, Destination takes a look at some of the biggest Earthquakes during the past 50 years. As for the people of Nepal: our prayers are with you, stay strong.

1. The west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia

Richter Scale: 9.1
Date: December 26, 2004

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org


2. Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan

Richter Scale: 9.0
Date: March 11, 2011

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Photo Credit: wikipedia.org


3. Chile earthquake, Chile

Richter Scale: 8.8
Date: February 27, 2010

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Photo Credit: wikipedia.org


4. Nias Earthquake, Indonesia

Richter Scale: 8.6
Date: March 28, 2005

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Photo Credit: en.people.cn


5. Indian Ocean earthquakes, Aceh, Indonesia

Richter Scale: 8.6
Date: April 11, 2012

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Photo Credit: examiner.com


6. Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

Richter Scale: 8.5
Date: September 12, 2007

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Photo Credit: uwsslec.libguides.com


7. North coast of Peru

Richter Scale 8.4
Date: June 23, 2001

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Photo Credit: evartha.in


8. Hokkaido, Japan region

Richter Scale 8.3
Date: September 25, 2003

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Photo Credit: factsanddetails.com


9. Kuril Islands

Richter Scale 8.3
Date: November 15, 2006

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Photo Credit: onlinenewspoint.com


10. Okhotsk Sea Earthquake

Richter Scale: 8.3
Date: May 24, 2013

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Photo Credit: cinabrio.over-blog.es


Note: This is not a comprehensive list and there are other earthquakes that measured 8.3 and above in the past 50 years, including the 1968 Tokachi earthquake, Kuril Islands earthquake in 1994 and the South of Sumbawa earthquake in 1977 amongst others.
Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

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