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More than a thousand people have died in the earthquake on 28 March in Myanmar. The death toll is expected to go up to 10 thousand. This earthquake of 7.7 magnitude was extremely frightening, but despite this, the top-10 earthquakes that occurred worldwide in the 21st century are not in the list of earthquakes.
About 6 lakh people have been killed in the 10 most devastating earthquakes in the 21st century, thousands of people went missing and crores of people became homeless. These disasters caused huge destruction in many countries of Asia, Europe, Africa and America, destroying millions of houses, historical buildings and infrastructure.
Among them, three major earthquakes occurred in India- 2001 Gujarat earthquake, 2005 Kashmir earthquake and 2015 Nepal earthquake (which also affected India). These earthquakes led to more than 30,000 deaths and millions of people were affected.
Read about the 10 biggest earthquakes of the past 25 years …
2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
Intensity: 9.2-9.3
Deaths: 2.30 lakhs
On 26 December 2004, a 9.2–9.3 earthquake occurred near Sumatra Island in Indonesia. It was the most powerful earthquake of the 21st century, which created a devastating tsunami. More than 2,30,000 people were killed in 14 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Somalia.
The tsunami waves were up to 30 meters high, causing heavy havoc in the coastal areas. Millions of people became homeless and widespread relief work was carried out. After this disaster, a tsunami warning system was installed in the Indian Ocean to reduce the loss from such incidents in future.
2010 Haiti Earthquake
Intensity: 7.0
Deaths: 1,60,000
On 12 January 2010, Haiti caused a fierce earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, which was with the capital Port-O-Prince. About 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 people were killed in this disaster and millions of people became homeless. Earthquakes destroyed government buildings, hospitals, schools and infrastructure.
Many countries sent assistance in rescue operations, but the relief work was affected due to weak administration and lack of resources. This earthquake had a long -term impact on Haiti’s economy and society. The United Nations and International Organizations played an important role in the reconstruction efforts.
2008 Sichuan China Earthquake
Intensity: 7.9
Deaths: 87,587
On 12 May 2008, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in China’s Sichuan province, causing heavy havoc. More than 87,000 people were killed and around 3,75,000 people were injured in this disaster.
The earthquake was the center of the Ventuan County, but the shocks were felt up to Beijing and Shanghai. Thousands of schools, hospitals and buildings collapsed, causing millions of people homeless.
The Chinese government launched a large -scale relief and reconstruction campaign, with 4.8 lakh crore yuan (about 146 billion dollars). This earthquake was one of China’s deadliest natural disasters.
2005 Kashmir Earthquake
Intensity: 7.6
Deaths: 87,351
On 8 October 2005, a 7.6 magnitude devastating earthquake occurred in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and India’s Jammu and Kashmir region. Its center was near Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. More than 80,000 people were killed in this disaster, more than 1,00,000 injured and about 40 million people became homeless.
Thousands of buildings, schools and hospitals were destroyed in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. Due to bad weather and inaccessible mountainous areas, relief work faced difficulties. Many countries and organizations sent assistance. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in South Asia, causing heavy havoc in the region.
2023 Turkish-Syrian Earthquake
Intensity: 7.8
Deaths: 62,013
On 6 February 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Türkiye and Syria. Its center was in the Ghaziantep province of Türkiye. A few hours later, another shock of 7.5 magnitude was felt. More than 59,000 people were killed, thousands were injured and millions of people became homeless in this disaster. Thousands of buildings collapsed in Türkiye and Syria.
It was one of the most deadly earthquakes of the 21st century. Relief teams were sent from all over the world, but rescue work was difficult due to war in Syria. It is considered the most terrible earthquake in the history of Türkiye.
2003 balm, Iran
Intensity: 6.6
Deaths: 34,000
On 26 December 2003, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Bam city of Iran. The earthquake killed more than 26,000 people, more than 30,000 injured and about 75% of the buildings collapsed. The historic Arg-e-Bam Fort, which was the world’s largest soil structure, was also badly destroyed. The rescue operation was difficult as the infrastructure was destroyed. The international community helped in relief and reconstruction.
2001 Gujarat, India
Intensity: 7.7
Deaths: 20,085
On 26 January 2001, a fierce earthquake of 7.7 magnitude occurred in Gujarat, India. Its center was near Bhuj in Kutch district. More than 20,000 people were killed in this disaster, more than 1,67,000 injured and about 4 lakh houses were destroyed. Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and other cities caused heavy havoc. Roads, power and communication systems were badly affected.
2011 tohoku, Japan earthquake and tsunami
Intensity: 9.0-9.1
Deaths: 19,759
On 11 March 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in the tohoku region of Japan. It was the most powerful earthquake in the history of Japan. After the earthquake, 40 meters high tsunami waves arose, which destroyed the coastal cities. About 20,000 people were killed in this disaster and millions of people became homeless. The Fukushima nuclear plant led to a radiation leak, causing a serious environmental crisis.
2015 Nepal Earthquake
Intensity: 7.8
Deaths: 8,964
On 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Nepal, which was the center in Gorkha district. More than 8,800 people were killed in this disaster, more than 22,000 injured and millions of people became homeless. Historical heritage was destroyed in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, which included Dharahara tower and several ancient temples. The earthquake led to many powerful shocks, causing more damage. India, China and other countries helped in relief and rescue operations.
2006 Yogyakarta, Indonesia Earthquake
Intensity: 6.4
Deaths: 5,782
On 27 May 2006, Yogyakarta, Indonesia caused a devastating earthquake of 6.3 magnitude. Its center was on the island of Java. More than 5,700 people were killed in this earthquake, more than 38,000 injured and about 6 lakh people became homeless. Thousands of houses, schools, hospitals and historical sites were destroyed.
The earthquake also increased the possibility of Merapi volcanic being active due to the earthquake. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Indonesia, which caused heavy havoc in Yogyakarta and the surrounding areas.
