Earthquakes and tsunamis are natural disasters capable of destroying cities in minutes. As of 30 July 2025, the world has seen another addition to the list—the Kamchatka earthquake (M 8.8). This list ranks the Top 10 earthquakes and tsunamis in recorded history, based on magnitude, tsunami strength, and human impact.
🌊 1. 2004 Indian Ocean (Sumatra) – Magnitude 9.2–9.3
A massive undersea megathrust earthquake struck off Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a tsunami up to 9 m high.
Coastal communities in 14 countries were obliterated. Entire towns in Aceh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were swept away.
- Death toll: ~228,000
- Damage: $15 billion
2. 2011 Tōhoku, Japan – Magnitude 9.0–9.1
The earthquake off Japan’s northeast coast created tsunami waves up to 40 m.
The waves destroyed entire towns and caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, forcing mass evacuations.
- Death toll: ~18,500
- Damage: $235 billion
3. 1960 Valdivia, Chile – Magnitude 9.5
The strongest quake ever recorded ripped through Chile’s southern coast.
Triggered landslides, floods, and Pacific-wide tsunami waves reaching Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines.
- Death toll: ~1,600
4. 1964 Alaska, USA – Magnitude 9.2
The Great Alaskan Earthquake devastated Anchorage and coastal villages.
Violent shaking lasted 4.5 minutes, and the tsunami reached as far as California, wiping out harbors and bridges.
- Death toll: 130+
5. 1952 Severo‑Kurilsk, Russia – Magnitude 9.0
A powerful quake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
The resulting 18 m tsunami completely destroyed the town of Severo‑Kurilsk, forcing it to be rebuilt inland.
- Death toll: ~2,336
6. 2025 Kamchatka, Russia – Magnitude 8.8
The newest entry on this list, occurred on 30 July 2025.
Tsunami waves hit Russia’s east coast, Japan, and Hawaii. Although massive evacuations took place, early warnings helped prevent fatalities.
- Tsunami: Waves up to 4 m in Russia, 1.8 m in Hawaii
- Deaths: None confirmed (as of now)
7. 1707 Hōei, Japan – Magnitude 8.6–8.7
One of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes struck southwestern Honshu.
Triggered a massive tsunami and volcanic activity at Mount Fuji. Entire villages were submerged.
- Death toll: 5,000–21,000
8. 1992 Flores, Indonesia – Magnitude 7.7
A destructive quake struck near Flores Island.
A submarine landslide generated a tsunami up to 26 m high, devastating coastal towns and fishing villages.
- Death toll: ~2,500
9. 1958 Lituya Bay, Alaska – Magnitude 7.8–8.3
This quake is infamous for producing the tallest tsunami wave in history.
A massive rockslide plunged into the bay, sending a wave 524 m up the fjord’s slopes.
- Death toll: 5
10. 1303 Crete, Mediterranean – Magnitude ~8.0
A megaquake struck near Crete, impacting the entire eastern Mediterranean.
Tsunami waves destroyed coastal settlements in Crete, Rhodes, and Alexandria, killing thousands.
- Death toll: ~4,000
| Event (Year) | Magnitude | Tsunami Height | Death Toll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumatra (2004) | 9.2–9.3 | 9 m | ~228,000 |
| Tōhoku (2011) | 9.0–9.1 | 40 m | ~18,500 |
| Valdivia (1960) | 9.5 | Pacific-wide | ~1,600 |
| Alaska (1964) | 9.2 | 10 m+ | 130+ |
| Severo‑Kurilsk (1952) | 9.0 | 18 m | ~2,336 |
| Kamchatka (2025) | 8.8 | 4 m | 0 (as of now) |
| Hōei (1707) | 8.6–8.7 | Regional | 5,000–21,000 |
| Flores (1992) | 7.7 | 26 m | ~2,500 |
| Lituya Bay (1958) | 7.8–8.3 | 524 m | 5 |
| Crete (1303) | ~8.0 | Local | ~4,000 |
Why These Events Matter
- Megaquakes (≥8.5) reshape entire regions.
- Tsunamis magnify destruction by striking unprepared coastlines.
- Early warning systems are lifesaving, shown during the 2025 Kamchatka quake.
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