24/7 LiveFresno CountyNorth ValleySouth ValleyFoothills/Sierra
  • earthquake

The deadliest earthquakes in history

KFSN logo
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Tangshan, China 1976. Magnitude 7.5. Deaths: 240,000+
Sumatra, Indonesia 2004. Magnitude 9.1. Deaths: 227,898.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti 2010. Magnitude: 7.0. Deaths: 100,000-316,000.
Sendai, Japan 2011. Magnitude 8.9. Deaths: 15,889.
Valdivia, Chile 1960. Magnitude: 9.5. Deaths: up to 6,000.
Bio-bio, Chile 2010. Magnitude 8.8. Deaths: 525.
Prince William Sound, Alaska 1964. Magnitude 9.2. Deaths: 139.
Tangshan, China 1976. Magnitude 7.5. Deaths: 240,000+
AP

California's Bay Area is recovering from the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck early morning August 24th. The state is well-acquainted with abrupt seismic activity, but there are many regions across the globe who've suffered catastrophic damage and deaths from earthquakes. Check out the gallery above for the deadliest earthquakes in history.

Report a correction or typo
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Related Topics

  • EARTHQUAKE
  • NAPA COUNTY
  • NAPA
  • SAN FRANCISCO BAY
  • BAY AREA
  • DISASTER
  • TSUNAMI
  • PHOTOS

Earthquake

Expert explains connection between several global earthquakes in 1 day

    Death toll in Venezuela earthquakes rises to 920; nearly 3,360 injured

      Venezuelans search for survivors after 2 earthquakes kill at least 235

        How to help victims of deadly Venezuela earthquakes

          Watch Live
          ON NOW

          Top Stories

          Loved ones remember man who died after drowning in San Joaquin River

          Man arrested after standoff with Porterville PD in attic: Officials

          Former FUSD teacher faces trial after girls testify to alleged abuse

          3 men sentenced for impersonating officers during Fresno home invasion

          Pilot makes emergency landing near Kingsburg, sustains minor injuries

          Missing bird 'Sarge' from Fresno Chaffee Zoo has been found

          Over 100 dogs found dead, many with bullet holes at NorCal rescue

          Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in Palisades Fire arson trial

          ABC30 Fresno
          Topics
          HomeWeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
          Regions
          Fresno CountyNorth ValleySouth ValleyFoothills/Sierra
          More Content
          U.S. & WorldCaliforniaPoliticsSportsEntertainmentCommunity
          Company
          Contact and InformationMeet the News TeamAccessibilityEmploymentTV Listings
          Privacy Policy
          Your Privacy Choices
          Children's Privacy Policy
          Your US State Privacy Rights
          Terms of Use
          Interest-Based Ads
          Public Inspection File
          FCC Applications
          Copyright © 2026 ABC, Inc., KFSN-TV Fresno. All Rights Reserved.