Friday, March 11, 2011, Japan hit by powerful earthquake followed by tsunami that swept the coastal areas. About 10,000 people were estimated killed.
Initially, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake that shook Japan measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale. But lately, the United States Geological Survey revised the quake strength to 9.0 on the Richter scale.
In addition to the United States Geological Survey, Japan Meteorological Agency also revised to 9.0 magnitude quake forces. This earthquake was recorded as the fourth largest earthquake in history, since 1900.
Here's the biggest earthquake in history according to the United States Geological Survey:
1. Chile Earthquake, March 22, 1960 (9.5 SR)
An earthquake with magnitude 9.5 shook the power of Chile on May 22, 1960. As many as 1655 people were killed. Tsunamis caused by this earthquake also killed 68 people in Hawaii, 138 people in Japan, and 32 people in the Philippines.
2. Prince William Sound, Alaska, March 28, 1964 (9.2 SR)
An earthquake measuring 9.2 magnitude rocked Alaska on March 28, 1964. 15 people were killed by the quake, while 113 people were killed by the tsunami.
3. Earthquake in Aceh, December 26, 2004 (9.1 SR)
9.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Aceh, Indonesia on December 26, 2004. The quake caused massive tsunami that killed 230,000 people in some parts of the world. The most deadly earthquake ever recorded in history.
4. The earthquake off the coast of Honshu, Japan, March 11, 2011 (9.0 SR)
The quake caused a tsunami that rolled up the Japanese coast. About 10,000 people were estimated killed. The tsunami also resulted in a nuclear reactor exploded. The biggest blow for Japan's post-World War II.
5. Kamchatka Earthquake, November 4, 1952 (9.0 SR)
Hawaii, November 4, 1952, an earthquake measuring 9.0 magnitude. Fortunately, no one died in this tragedy.
6. Earthquake in Chile, February 27, 2010 (8.8 SR)
Earthquake with power of 8.8 on the Richter scale on February 27, 2010 off the coast of Concepción, Chile. Construction and good early warning system so the factors why the death toll of less than 1,000 people.
7. Ecuador earthquake, January 31, 1906 (8.8 SR)
An earthquake with magnitude 8.8 occurred in the power of Ecuador on January 31, 1906. The quake caused a tsunami that killed 1,500 people in Ecuador and Colombia.
8. Earthquake in the Rat Islands, Alaska, February 4, 1965 (8.7 SR)
8.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in Alaska on February 4, 1965. No reports of casualties.
9. Sumatra Earthquake, March 28, 2005 (8.6 SR)
An earthquake with magnitude 8.6 rocked the Indonesian forces on March 28, 2005. More than 1,300 people were killed. Tremors felt up to Bangkok, Thailand, about 1,000 km away
10. Assam Earthquake, Tibet, August 15, 1950 (8.6 SR)
An earthquake measuring 8.6 magnitude rocked Tibet on August 15, 1950. As many as 780 dead.