Most Destructive Known Earthquakes

Most Destructive Known Earthquakes on Record in the World Location | Deaths | January 23, 1556 China, Shansi | 830,000 | October 11, 1737 India, Calcutta | 300,000 | August 9, 1138 Syria, Aleppo | 230,000 | May 22, 1927 China, near Xining | 200,000 | December 22, 856+ Iran, Damghan | 200,000 | December 16, 1920 China, Gansu | 200,000 | March 23, 893+ Iran, Ardabil | 150,000 | September 1, 1923 Japan, Kwanto | 143,000 | December 28, 1908 Italy, Messina | 70,000 | September, 1290 China, Chihli | 100,000 | November, 1667 Caucasia, Shemakha | 80,000 | November 18, 1727 Iran, Tabriz | 77,000 | November 1, 1755 Portugal, Lisbon | 70,000 | December 25, 1932 China, Gansu | 70,000 | May 31, 1970 Peru | 66,000 | 1268 Asia Minor, Silicia | 60,000 | January 11, 1693 Italy, Sicily | 60,000 | May 30, 1935 Pakistan, Quetta | 30,000 | February 4, 1783 Italy, Calabria | 50,000 | June 20, 1990 Iran | 50,000 |
(Source: The 1737 Calcutta Earthquake and Cyclone Evaluated by
Roger Bilham, BSSA, Vol. 84, No. 5, October 1994)
Data compiled from several sources.

Most Destructive Earthquakes in the Philippines
1.) 1976 Moro Gulf Earthquake and Tsunami – up to 8,000 deaths
In terms of casualties, the deadliest earthquake to ever hit the Philippine is the 1976 Moro Gulf Earthquake and Tsunami killing about 8,000 people. It was very devastating because it occurred just after midnight when most people are asleep. * Date: August 16, 1976 * Magnitude: 8.0 moment magnitude scale * Epicenter: Celebes Sea * Damages: Not accounted * Affected areas: Mindanao and Borneo

Cotabato Chinese School Gymnasium.

Tamontaka Church before the earthquake.

Tamontaka Church after the earthquake.
2.) 1645 Luzon Earthquake - 600 deaths (Spaniards only)
One of the deadliest earthquakes and was dubbed as the "most terrible earthquake" in the recorded history of the Philippines is the 1645 Luzon Earthquake. During this time, only Spaniards