Myanmar Earthquake: Here's List Of 5 Strongest And Deadliest Quakes Ever Recorded Worldwide

Last Updated:March 28, 2025, 16:47 IST

Myanmar, Thailand Earthquake: Earthquakes are relatively common in the Myanmar region as it's situated near the Sagaing Fault

Massive destruction caused by two back-to-back earthquakes in Myanmar on Friday | Reuters Image

Myanmar Earthquake: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake and an aftershock of 6.4, hit central Myanmar on Friday, with strong tremors in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, prompting the government to declare an emergency and halt public transport services.

The earthquake’s impact was so powerful that it caused a high-rise to collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, nearly 900 km away. Reports indicate that up to 55 people lost their lives in the earthquakes in Myanmar, while four fatalities were reported in Thailand.

In the Myanmar region, situated near the Sagaing Fault, earthquakes are relatively common. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Sagaing Fault runs north to south through the centre of the country.

In 2016, Myanmar experienced a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Bagan in the central region, killing three people and injuring several others. Let’s take a look at the five strongest and deadliest earthquakes ever recorded worldwide. 

5 Deadliest Earthquakes In World 

Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami (2004): Triggered by a 9.1-9.3 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, Indonesia, the resulting tsunami claimed over 230,000 lives across 14 countries.Pakistan Earthquake (2005): Measuring 7.6 in magnitude, this earthquake devastated Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing around 87,000 people and displacing millions.Haiti Earthquake (2010): A magnitude 7.0 quake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, killing around 160,000 people. The disaster caused massive destruction and a humanitarian crisis.Turkey-Syria Earthquake (2023): The powerful Turkey-Syria earthquake in 2023, measuring 7.8 on the richer scale, claimed 50,000 lives across both countries. It caused major damage to the infrastructure, leaving thousands homeless.Afghanistan Earthquake (2023): A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Herat City in western Afghanistan on October 7, 2023. It claimed the lives of at least 2,000 people.

5 Strongest Earthquakes In World 

Valdivia Earthquake, Chile (1960) – Magnitude 9.5: The most powerful earthquake ever recorded, it hit southern Chile, causing massive tsunamis and claiming around 5,700 lives.Alaska Earthquake, USA (1964) – Magnitude 9.2: Known as the Great Alaskan Earthquake, it caused widespread destruction and tsunamis, resulting in 131 deaths and significant infrastructure damage.Indian Ocean Earthquake, Indonesia (2004) – Magnitude 9.1-9.3: This undersea megathrust earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, killing over 230,000 people across 14 countries.Sendai Earthquake, Japan (2011) – Magnitude 9.1: The earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused nearly 20,000 deaths and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.Kamchatka Earthquake, Russia (1952) – Magnitude 9.0: This massive quake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula, generating tsunamis that reached as far as Hawaii, though casualties were limited due to the remote location.

The deadliest earthquakes are not typically the strongest ones recorded. The deadliest quakes are measured by the loss of lives and the extent of devastation, while the strongest ones are determined by the analysis of earthquake magnitude. 

Location :

Myanmar (Burma)

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News world Myanmar Earthquake: Here's List Of 5 Strongest And Deadliest Quakes Ever Recorded Worldwide