Deaths from Earthquakes

Direct and Indirect Impacts

Earthquakes can cause direct fatalities from building collapses, ground shaking, and other hazards. However, the death toll can also rise due to secondary impacts, such as tsunamis and landslides. Tsunamis are giant waves that can devastate coastal areas, while landslides can block roads and damage infrastructure, hindering rescue efforts and medical care.

World's Deadliest Earthquakes

Throughout history, earthquakes have caused immense loss of life. Here are some of the deadliest earthquakes ever recorded:

• Tangshan, China (1976): 242,769 deaths
• Great Kanto, Japan (1923): 142,800 deaths
• Antioch, Turkey (526): 250,000 deaths (estimated)
• San Francisco, United States (1906): 3,000+ deaths
• Haiti (2010): 222,570 deaths