The earthquake that has killed the most humans is the 1556 Shansi (Shaanxi) earthquake in China, with an estimated death toll of 830,000.
The Deadliest Earthquake in History
On January 23, 1556, a catastrophic earthquake struck the Shansi region of China. This event, often referred to as the Shaanxi earthquake, is recognized as the deadliest earthquake in recorded history due to its immense human toll. The widespread destruction and the massive loss of life were largely attributed to the collapse of yaodongs, cave dwellings carved into loess cliffs, which were common in the area.
Other Historically Devastating Earthquakes
While the 1556 Shansi earthquake stands out for its unprecedented fatalities, several other earthquakes throughout history have also resulted in tragic loss of life, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. These events underscore the devastating power of natural disasters and their profound impact on human populations.
Here is a list of some of the deadliest earthquakes ever recorded:
| Rank | Date | Location | Estimated Death Toll | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 23, 1556 | China, Shansi | 830,000 | Widely considered the deadliest. |
| 2 | July 27, 1976 | China, Tangshan | 255,000 | Estimated death toll as high as 655,000. |
| 3 | August 9, 1138 | Syria, Aleppo | 230,000 | One of the earliest recorded massive death tolls. |
| 4 | May 22, 1927 | China, near Xining | 200,000 | |
| 5 | December 22, 856 | Iran, Damghan | 200,000 |
These historical events serve as somber reminders of the earth's powerful forces and the vulnerability of human settlements to seismic activity.
