Earthquakes are quite common in the regions of Central and West Coast of South America. This is because of the fact that there is a big ocean plate under the Pacific Ocean. So, whenever it collides with the South American plate, an earth quake is generated which sometimes proves to be quite dangerous and devastating. In the recent years, Central as well as South America has been the home of some of the largest earth quakes. Most of you might remember the earth quake that Northern Bolivia on June 9th, 1994, in which the earth shook so violently that most of the houses and building were crumbled to dust. The magnitude of that earth quake was nearly 8.2. Surprisingly, it was the first earth quake of South America which was even felt in the regions of North America. Not to forget the cluster of earthquakes in Southern California on 8th August, 2012. The focus of this article is to point out the 10 strongest and deadliest earth quakes in the U.S.
10. The Pleasant Valley Earthquake-1915
This earth quake was reported in North Central Nevada in the year 1915. It is also happens to be the strongest earth quake to be ever recorded on this land. As most of the regions of the epicentral are uninhabited, so no significant damage to the property was seen. The magnitude of the earth quake was nearly 7.1.
9. The Charleston Earthquake-1886
At number 9 we have one of the most powerful intraplate Earthquake to hit the regions of South Carolina. With 60 to 110 reported fatalities (deaths), its magnitude was nearly 7.3. More than 2000 buildings were damaged in those times which caused nearly $ 6 million loss. Till today, this earthquake is one of the biggest examples of the intraplate earthquakes.
8. Kern County Earthquake California-1952
With a magnitude of 7.3 and nearly 12 deaths, this earthquake was the largest ever to strike South California since the times of 1857 and 1872 earthquakes. All the people were killed in the main shock wave. The reported property damage was more than $ 50 million which is indeed quite large in terms of inflation adjustment.
7. Wrightwood Earthquake California-1812
Most commonly known by the name of San Juan Capistrano Earthquake, the magnitude of the shock wave was (6.9 to 7.5) according to a number of sources. Nearly 40 American Indians were killed in it, as the shock wave had struck during the time intervals of the first services held in the Roman Catholic churches.
6. Hawaii Earthquake and Tsunami-1868
At number 6 we have the largest earthquake ever to be recorded on the land of Hawaii which also caused Tsunami and some landslides. More than 75 deaths were caused by this earthquake in a matter of a few hours. The first wave was felt near 4 p.m. with a magnitude of 7.9, but it did not give enough time to the people for escaping. The Tsunami waves generated as a result of the earthquake were nearly 12-15 m high. Furthermore, a 3 km wide flood slide at kapapala had caused nearly 31 fatalities.
5. Fort Tejon Earthquake, California-1857
With a magnitude of 7.9 and duration of nearly 1 to 3 minutes, at number 5 we have the Fort Tejon Earthquake. It is one of the strongest earthquakes in California whose effectuations were felt throughout the entire state and also the nearby localities. It can be said that the Fort Tejon earthquake was also the luckiest for the people of California, as only 2 fatalities were reported in it. The magnitude would have caused a much more damage.
4. Lone Pine Earthquake, California-1872
With a magnitude of 8 plus and nearly 27 casualties, at number 4 we have the Lone Pine Earthquake, California. The true size and area of the earthquake was never known clearly, but it is confirmed that the shock waves had effectuated a large number of epicenter locations, especially the Owens Valley. Furthermore, the first shock wave had hit the region at 2:35 a.m. in the morning, so the people had less time to react.
3. Aleutian Islands Earthquake, Alaska-1946
The magnitude of this earthquake was nearly 8.6, after which a Tsunami was also reported. It has hit the Aleutian Islands on 1st of April, 1946. With more than 160 casualties and $ 26 million damage, this earthquake is marked by a number of multiple destructive waves.
2. Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami-1964
With a magnitude of 9.2, at number 2 we have the second largest recorded earthquake in history and the most powerful earthquake to be recorded in American History. A number of shock and tsunami waves were generated as a result of this earthquake, causing nearly 143 deaths in a short period of time. It had also caused a great amount of structural damage.
1. San Francisco Earthquake, California-1906
The San Francisco Earthquake is indeed the deadliest earthquake ever in American History. The shockwaves had hit the regions of California with a magnitude of 7.9, causing more than 3000 deaths. More than $ 100 million damage was reported at those time. One can only imagine the extent of structural damage that was caused by this earthquake.It is indeed the most devastating earthquake california.
