Shaanxi Earthquake of 1556
"One of the most deadly earthquakes in history", ( http://listsoplenty.com/blog/?p=6204 ) The Shaanxi Earthquake on January 23, caused devastation when it killed about 830,000 people, destroying 98 counties and 8 Chinese provinces. About 60% of the population was dead after this tragedy. The magnitude was an estimate of only 8.0 - 8.3 but because it hit in the middle of a densely populated area with poorly constructed houses. The death toll was extremely high.
San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
This 7.8 earthquake on April 18, was one of the most devastating in California because of its death toll and property loss. It caused about 3,000 deaths and $524 million worth of property loss. Some buildings near the San Andrea fault were destroyed and the San Francisco City Hall (picture on right) crumbled inwards.
The Great Chilean Earthquake
It happened in Chile on May 22, where it had a magnitude of 9.5, which is the largest earthquake measured by the Richter scale. It had a really intense before and aftershock caused by the massive tsunami from which the earthquake originated. The casualties from this tsunami/earthquake range from 490 to approximately 6,000.
The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964
This earthquake was located in Prince William Sound, Alaska on March 27, with a magnitude of 9.2, earning it the spot of the 2nd largest earthquake measured. It is, though, the largest earthquake that has happened in Alaska. This earthquake and ensuring tsunami caused about 128 deaths and caused about $311 million worth of property damage.
The Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976
Many people in Tangshan woke up at around 3:42 a.m. on July 28 to find that they were having a earthquake. The 7.8 earthquake struck at an unexpected place and killed over 240,00 people, making it the deadliest earthquake in the twentieth century.
Indian Ocean Earthquake of 2004
This earthquake/tsunami is the 3rd largest earthquake since 1990. About 227,898 people were killed, missing, or presumed dead. These deaths were caused when the earthquake and tsunami joined forces because the quake's epicenter was found at the bottom of the ocean. It's 30 M high waves destroyed everything that crossed its path, which makes this the most famous natural disaster in history.