Massive 7.7 Quake Hits Myanmar: Top 10 Largest Earthquakes in History

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The tremor, which occurred near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, resulted in at least 144 fatalities and over 700 injuries. Buildings and infrastructure suffered significant damage, including the collapse of a major hospital in Naypyidaw. The ruling military junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions and made a rare appeal for international aid.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with neighboring Thailand experiencing severe effects. In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, leading to at least eight deaths and many more trapped under the rubble. The city has declared a disaster area, and rescue operations are ongoing.

This tragic event brings to mind some of the most powerful earthquakes recorded in history. Here is a list of the top 10 largest earthquakes ever documented:​

Valdivia, Chile (1960) – Magnitude 9.5

• The Great Chilean Earthquake remains the most powerful ever recorded. It triggered massive tsunamis that affected coastlines as far away as Japan and New Zealand.

Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA (1964) – Magnitude 9.2​

• Known as the Good Friday Earthquake, it caused significant ground fissures, tsunamis, and landslides, resulting in 131 deaths.

Sumatra, Indonesia (2004) – Magnitude 9.1

• This undersea megathrust earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, leading to over 230,000 deaths.

Sendai, Japan (2011) – Magnitude 9.1​

• Also known as the Tōhoku earthquake, it caused a tsunami that resulted in over 15,000 deaths and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Kamchatka, Russia (1952) – Magnitude 9.0

• This earthquake generated a 43-foot tsunami locally and caused damage in areas as far away as Crescent City, California.

Maule, Chile (2010) – Magnitude 8.8​

• The quake and subsequent tsunami caused over 500 deaths and affected approximately 1.8 million people. ​

Ecuador-Colombia (1906) – Magnitude 8.8​

• This offshore earthquake produced a tsunami that caused up to 1,500 fatalities along the coast.

Rat Islands, Alaska, USA (1965) – Magnitude 8.7

• The quake generated a tsunami with waves up to 10 meters high, causing damage to infrastructure but no reported fatalities.

Sumatra, Indonesia (2005) – Magnitude 8.6

• This earthquake resulted in approximately 1,300 deaths and over 400 injuries, with tsunamis affecting areas as far away as Sri Lanka.

Assam-Tibet (1950) – Magnitude 8.6​

• An inland earthquake that caused widespread damage and landslides, resulting in 780 deaths across Tibet and India.

These monumental events serve as sobering reminders of the immense power of natural forces and the importance of preparedness and resilience in earthquake-prone regions.

Source