The Most Powerful Earthquakes In History

Yesterday marked one year since a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, killing 8,000 people and injuring 21,000 more. It caused $10 billion of damage and had a magnitude of 7.5. How does that compare to the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded? According to research by the Guardian and the US Geological Survey, the 1960 Valdivia earthquake is the most powerful ever recorded with a magnitude of about 9.5. More recent events including the 2004 earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra and the 2011 earthquake off Japan's east coast were among the most powerful ever recorded.

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This chart shows the strongest known earthquakes by magnitude (MMS).

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Leading writers of U.S. earthquake insurance in 2022, by direct premiums written

Market share of U.S. earthquake insurance companies 2022, by premiums

Compulsory earthquake insurance premiums in Turkey 2001-2023

Number of compulsory earthquake insurance policies in Turkey 2001-2023

Ownership rate of earthquake insurance in Japan 2014-2023

Government's expenditure breakdown Great East Japan Earthquake FY 2021, by purpose

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The Most Powerful Earthquakes In History