Ten Worst Earthquakes

1. Shaanxi earthquake of 1556

Killing 830,000 people in central China, this earthquake was the most destructive in recorded history. This earthquake killed nearly 60% of the population in some parts of the country. Magnitude 8.0

2. Indian Ocean earthquake and resultant Tsunami of 2004

Surely still in everyone's memory is the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 that resulted in nearly 230,000 dead. What some may not know is that it resulted from an earthquake in the Indian Ocean. Magnitude 9.3

3. Tangshan earthquake of 1976

A deadly quake struck the industrial city of Tangshan, China in July of 1976 killing over 240,000. It was the largest earthquake of the 20th century in terms of the death toll. Magnitude 7.8

4. Haiyuan earthquake of 1920

In the north-central county of Haiyuan of China, this tremor struck, leaving over 230,000 dead. Magnitude 7.8

5. Aleppo earthquake of 1138

It's believed that 230,000 people died in this deadly earthquake, eight centuries ago in the Syrian town of Aleppo. Magnitude unknown

6. Damghan earthquake of 856

In the Iranian town of Damghan, which sits atop the Alpide earthquake belt, was struck by a massive quake which is believed to have killed over 200,000. Magnitude unknown

7. Ardabil earthquake of 893

Another tremor hit an Iran in 893, in the city of Ardabil. The destructive earthquake killed over 150,000 people. Magnitude unknown

8. Hokkaidō earthquake of 1730

The second largest island of Japan, Hokkaidō, was hit by a massive earthquake in 1730 which killed 137,000 people. Magnitude unknown

9. Ashgabat earthquake of 1948

In the largest town of the central Asian country of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat was pummeled by an earthquake that left 110,000 dead. Magnitude 7.3

10. Great Kanto earthquake of 1923

Reports of this tremor claim to have lasted for up to 10 minutes. The central Japanese area of Kanto was struck by an awful quake that killed 105,000. Magnitude 8.3