The magnitude of the earthquake that took place in Japan was 8.8. It happened on March 11 and will never be forgotten, because in the entire history of the country, the earthquake was the strongest and largest. Speaking about the world, earthquakes happen quite often, however, fortunately, the consequences after them, so to speak, are not very detrimental. But still, catastrophes do happen.

There is an earthquake that people will remember for a long time. It is considered the largest in the last 100 years. The earthquake occurred in Haiti, it was officially recorded and documented. The date of January 12, 2010 turned out to be deplorable for the population of Haiti. It happened in the evening at 17-00. There was a shock with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale, this madness lasted for 40 seconds, and then there were smaller shocks in strength, but up to 5. There were 15 such shocks, and the total was 30.

The strength of such an earthquake was incredible, there are not enough words to describe. But what are the words when this natural disaster claimed the lives of 232 thousand people (data vary around this mark). Millions of inhabitants were left without a roof over their heads, and the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, was completely in ruins.

There is an opinion that such dire consequences could have been avoided if the country's authorities had foreseen the possibility of such earthquakes in advance. Some publications wrote that after the disaster, many residents were left without food, water and shelter. Help was provided slowly, it was simply not enough. People stood behind the food long time in a line with no end in sight. Naturally, such unsanitary conditions caused a surge of diseases, among which was cholera, which claimed the lives of more than one hundred people.

A less powerful earthquake, which was put in second place, was the earthquake on July 28, 1976 in the city of Tangshan (China). The force of the earthquake was estimated at 8.2 points, as a result, 222 thousand died civilians, but, to be specific, there are no specifics in these numbers. The data is approximate. Many international organizations subsequently counted the dead after the earthquake in Tangshan. Some say that the dead numbered up to 800 thousand people, and the aftershocks were 7.8 points. There is no exact data, why they are being hidden and who is behind it - no one knows either.

Already in 2004, people also had to survive the earthquake. It has been recognized as one of the most devastating and one of the deadliest disasters on the planet. The earthquake hit Asia indian ocean, passed from Indonesia right up to the east of Africa. His strength was 9.2 points on the scale, caused huge costs and took the lives of 230 thousand people.

Always in similar cases keep statistics according to which the lands most prone to earthquakes are the Eastern and South-Eastern lands of Asia. For example, in the province of Sichuan (China) on May 12, 2008, there was an earthquake with a force of 7.8 points, during which 69 thousand people died, 18 thousand were missing, and approximately 370 thousand people were injured. This earthquake was ranked seventh among the largest.

In Iran, in the city of Bam on December 26, 2003, an earthquake measuring 6.3 points occurred. 35 thousand people died. This disaster was ranked 10th among all the others.

Russia also felt the tragedy of the consequences of earthquakes. On March 27, 1995, Sakhalin was hit by a magnitude 9 earthquake. 2,000 people died.

The night of October 5-6, 1948 in Turkmenistan turned out to be tragic for many, and for some - the last. The strength of the earthquake at the epicenter was 9 points, and the magnitude - 7.3. There were two most intense blows, lasting 5-8 seconds. The strength of the first 8 points, the second - 9 points. And in the morning there was a third shock of 7-8 points. Within 4 days the earthquake gradually subsided. Almost 90-98% of all buildings in Ashgabat were destroyed. Approximately 50-66% of the population died (up to 100 thousand people).

Many argue that not 100, but 150 thousand people were carried away by the earthquake to the next world. The Soviet media were in no hurry to announce exact numbers, and was not going to. Haste in their action is not noticed. It was said only that this disaster claimed the lives of many people. And the consequences were still so great that even 4 military divisions arrived in Ashgabat to help the residents.

Once again, China suffered from an earthquake. In the province of Gansu on December 16, 1920, an earthquake of 7.8 points occurred. Its magnitude was 8.6. It bears resemblance to the Great China earthquake. Many villages were wiped off the face of the earth, the death toll was from 180 to 240 thousand people. This number includes 20 thousand people who died from the cold that took possession of them, and people had nowhere to hide from it.

With best known strong earthquake in the history of mankind, which took the largest number lives, happened in Shaanxi and Henan in China. According to estimates, February 2, 1556 died 830 thousand people. In history 20th and 21st century recorded a huge number of fluctuations earth's crust great strength, resulting in numerous human sacrifice. According to experts, the number major earthquakes is growing every year. Also, almost 150 earthquakes small magnitude. Observers attribute this to the approach mysterious planet Nibiru.

We bring to your attention the most strong and large earthquakes that happened on our planet in the 20th and 21st century, each of which entailed a huge number of deaths, piles of destroyed buildings and residential buildings, record number people left homeless. Position in the ranking described earthquakes very conditional.

† Considered to be one of the most major 20th and 21st century Tien Shan earthquake July 28, 1976 magnitude 7.9. Death toll reaches 750,000.

† In 1950 in the state of Assam (India) there was such a strong earthquake that all seismographs went off scale. Its magnitude was 9 on the Richter scale.

† February 4, 1976 due to the appearance of a crack in the Motagua fault in Guatemala over 1 million inhabitants left homeless in an instant.

† Most strongest earthquake in the 20th century on the scale of the Japanese seismologist Kanamori was observed on May 22, 1960 in Chile. Then died at least 10 thousand people. Large cities were destroyed - Concepcion, which existed for more than 400 years, Valdivia, Puerto Montt, Osorno and others. More than 1,000 km of the Pacific coast suffered from the rampant elements. coastal strip area of ​​10 thousand square meters. km fell below ocean level and was covered by a two-meter layer of water. 14 volcanoes woke up. A series of subsequent aftershocks claimed the lives of 5,700 people and left another 100,000 homeless. Size damage was estimated at 400 million dollars, 20% of the country's industrial complex was destroyed. For 7 days (May 21-30) almost all countryside Chile has been reduced to rubble. The monstrous destruction on the coast was supplemented by a giant tsunami. In particular, the port of Ancund, the capital of the island of Chiloe, was washed away. And on Easter Island, a 10-meter wave scattered, like grains of sand, multi-ton (up to 80 tons) stones of an ancient ritual structure - ahu Tongariki.

† Trouble came to the city of Verny (today Alma-Ata) on the eve of the new year 1911. The area of ​​complete destruction (9-11 points) covered the territory area of ​​15 thousand square meters. km. Mountain ranges and valleys were cut by faults up to 200 km long. Band of the most violations earth's surface(width 500 m and length 100 km) was recorded on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. Millions of tons of soil have been displaced.

† The Greatest Seismic Disaster 20th century occurred on August 15, 1950 in the highlands of Tibet. The energy roughly corresponded to the force of the explosion 100 thousand atomic bombs . The total weight of the displaced rocks was about 2 billion tons. Eyewitness accounts were terrifying. A deafening roar erupted from the bowels of the earth. In Kolkata, more than 1000 km away, underground vibrations caused seasickness in the residents. Cars were thrown back by 800 m, a 300 m long section of the railway track was lowered by almost 5 m, and the road was completely destroyed.

† strong 11-12-point earthquake broke out on December 4, 1957 in the south of Mongolia. It began around noon with a strong jolt. Residents managed to run out of the premises, and when the next main blow wiped the buildings off the face of the earth, there was almost no one left in them. Huge dark clouds of dust rose above the mountains, hiding the peaks at first. The dust quickly spread, covering the entire 230 km mountain range. Visibility did not exceed 100 m. The air cleared up only after two days. Soil fluctuations were observed in an area of ​​5 million square meters. km.

† August 31, 2012 in the central part of the Philippine archipelago occurred major earthquake magnitude 7.6, causing significant damage to roads and bridges. The inhabitants of the island of Samar hurried to take refuge on high ground, fearing possible occurrence tsunami. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 146 km from the island. The source of the tremors lay at a depth of 32 km. Fortunately, strong earthquake did not trigger a tsunami.

† March 11, 2011 in Country rising sun happened more than 20 major earthquakes of the 21st century, the strongest with a magnitude of up to 8.9 on the Richter scale. In Tokyo, buildings swayed, a major highway collapsed. A 10-meter-high tsunami reached the island of Honshu, and a six-meter-high one hit the island of Hokkaido. In Miyagi Prefecture, water washed away not only boats, houses and cars, but also tanks from a military factory. The nuclear power plant stopped its work. The authorities have decided to close Narita International Airport in Tokyo. The cataclysm led to a shift in the Earth's axis of rotation by almost ten centimeters ... The official death toll in 12 prefectures of Japan is 15,870 people, 2846 people are missing in 6 prefectures, 6110 injured in 20 prefectures. 3,400 houses were completely or partially destroyed. The city of Rikuzentakata, located in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate, has almost completely submerged under water. Strong explosion happened at the oil depot oil company Cosmo Oil in Likihara, a suburb of Tokyo. Explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant led to a radiation leak ... A ghost loomed over the world again nuclear death, and the suburbs of Tokyo could well become one of.

† Late August 2012 series earthquakes devastated the inhabitants of the small town of Broly in California. Here 400 happened in 4 days weak and moderate tremors. Nature reminded that it is necessary to be ready for anything, because this is an earthquake-prone area.

We talked about the most formidable natural disasters 20th and 21st century - earthquakes, the force and consequences of which could well lead to an unprecedented hitherto global catastrophe Earth. The threat of global disaster is real. The same elements that created our fragile planet can also destroy it. The earth is not ready for strong, large earthquakes magnitude 10 or more.

Every year our planet is subjected to various cataclysms that destroy entire cities and lead to the death of many people. One of these include earthquakes, which are called "tremors of the earth" and are associated with the displacement of the earth's crust. Today we can name the most strong earthquakes in the world, which simply struck with destructive power and the number of victims.

China: great earthquake (1556)

Asian countries are often hit by the strongest natural elements. So this natural disaster of the mid-16th century, which occurred in the provinces of Shaanxi and Henan, was of such a huge scale that were not previously known. This 9-point earthquake, accompanied by the formation of 20-meter cracks, claimed the lives of 830,000 people. The settlements that were located in the disaster zone were completely destroyed.

Kanto earthquake (Japan, 1923)

The full power of 12-point tremors was felt by the Japanese South Konto (here is Tokyo, Yokohama) in 1923. The destructive forces of nature were joined by fires, which greatly aggravated the situation. Tongues of flame rose up almost 60 meters - this is how spilled gasoline burned. As a result, and because of the destroyed infrastructure, the rescuers were not able to effectively organize their work. Approximately 170,000 people died as a result of this disaster.

Assam earthquake (India, 1950)

This earthquake, which happened in the Indian Assami, was the most powerful. Elements were assigned 9 points, but eyewitnesses claim that the shocks were much more powerful. This earthquake caused the death of 1000 people and great destruction. A few years earlier, there was also an earthquake here, which struck with its scale - an area of ​​\u200b\u200b390,000 km2 turned into ruins, the death toll was 1,500 people.

Earthquake in Chile (1960)

Chile's Valdivia was practically destroyed by this earthquake, which caused the death of 6,000 people and the loss of a roof over the head of approximately 2,000,000 people. Most of The population living here suffered from a tsunami caused by tremors, the height of which was at least 10 meters. By different information the magnitude of the earthquake was 9.3-9.5 points.

Earthquake in Alaska (1964)

This earthquake was very destructive in its power. It was rated at 9.2 points. The earthquake itself killed 9 people, but the tsunami caused by it led to the death of another 190 people. The tsunami had quite destructive force causing serious damage in many settlements from Canada to Japan.

Tangshan earthquake (China, 1976)

This is the second natural disaster in China, which is notable for the horrendous number of victims and great power destruction. The very center of the earthquake was in Tangshan (the city is a multi-million city). Tremors were 7.9-8.2 points. The element led to colossal destruction, the death toll amounted to 650,000 people. Another 780,000 were wounded.

Armenian earthquake (1988)

The power of this earthquake, which completely turned the city of Spitak, which is at the epicenter of the cataclysm, into ruins, was 10 points. There was a lot of destruction in the settlements in the neighborhood. The number of victims was approximately 45,000 people.

Underwater tremors in the Indian Ocean (2004)

This underwater earthquake was the third among the most powerful for the entire time of observation of such cataclysms. The occurred underwater tremors in the Indian Ocean had a force of 9.1-9.3 points. The epicenter was located near the island of Sumatra. This earthquake caused huge tsunami. Total number The victims of the disaster amounted to about 300,000 people.

Earthquake in China (2008)

And again, the territory of China was subjected to a formidable element - this time an earthquake of 7.9 points happened in Sichuan. Tremors were even felt in Shanghai and Beijing. 70,000 people died as a result of this natural disaster.

Earthquake in Japan (2011)

This 9-magnitude earthquake has become another natural disaster in Japan with grandiose destructive scales. The aftermath of the tremors was a tsunami that damaged the nuclear power plant, and this became a threat radioactive contamination environment.

Strong earthquakes have occurred throughout the history of mankind, and the earliest of them were recorded almost 2,000 years before our era. But it has only been in the last century that our technological abilities have reached the point where the impact of these disasters can be fully measured. Our ability to study earthquakes has made it possible to avoid catastrophic casualties, as in the case of a tsunami, when people have the opportunity to evacuate from potentially dangerous area. But unfortunately, the warning system does not always work. There are several examples of earthquakes where the most damage was caused by the subsequent tsunami and not by the earthquake itself. People have improved building standards, improved the early warning system, but have not been able to completely protect themselves from disasters. There are many various ways assess the strength of an earthquake. Some people are based on the value on the Richter scale, others on the number of deaths and injuries, or even the monetary value of the damaged property. This list of the 12 most powerful earthquakes combines all of these methods in one.

Lisbon earthquake

The great Lisbon earthquake hit the capital of Portugal on November 1st, 1755 and brought great destruction. They were aggravated by the fact that it was All Saints Day and thousands of people came to mass in the church. Churches, like most other buildings, could not withstand the elements and collapsed, killing people. Subsequently, a tsunami hit 6 meters high. Approximately 80,000 died due to fires caused by the destruction. Many famous writers and philosophers have dealt with the Lisbon earthquake in their writings. For example, Emmanuel Kant, who tried to find scientific explanation what happened.

California earthquake

A massive earthquake hit California in April 1906. Having gone down in history like the San Francisco earthquake, it caused damage to a much wider area. Downtown San Francisco was destroyed by the huge fire that followed. The initial figures mentioned 700 to 800 dead, although researchers claim that the real list of victims was more than 3,000 people. More than half of San Francisco's population lost their homes as 28,000 buildings were destroyed by the earthquake and fires.

Messina earthquake

One of Europe's biggest earthquakes struck Sicily and southern Italy in the early hours of December 28th, 1908, killing an estimated 120,000 people. The main epicenter of the damage was Messina, which was actually destroyed by the disaster. A 7.5-magnitude earthquake was accompanied by a tsunami that hit the coast. A recent study suggested that the size of the waves was so huge due to an underwater landslide. Most of the damage was due to Low quality buildings in Messina and other parts of Sicily.

Haiyuan earthquake

One of the most deadly earthquakes in the list happened in December 1920 with the epicenter in Haiyuan Chinha. Perished by at least 230,000 people. With a force of 7.8 on the Richter scale, the quake destroyed almost every home in the region, causing significant damage to major cities like Lanzhou, Taiyuan and Xi'an. Incredibly, the waves from the earthquake were visible even off the coast of Norway. According to a recent study, Haiyuan was the strongest earthquake in China during the 20th century. The researchers also questioned the official death toll, suggesting it could have been over 270,000. This number is 59 percent of the population in the Haiyuan area. The Haiyuan earthquake is considered one of the most devastating natural disasters in history.

Chilean earthquake

AT total 1,655 died and 3,000 were injured after a 9.5 magnitude earthquake struck Chile in 1960. Seismologists have called it the strongest earthquake ever recorded. 2 million people were left homeless, and economic losses amounted to $500 million. The force of the earthquake triggered a tsunami, with casualties in places as far away as Japan, Hawaii and the Philippines. In some parts of Chile, waves have moved the ruins of buildings up to 3 kilometers inland. The strong Chilean earthquake of 1960 caused a gigantic tear in the ground, extending for 1,000 kilometers.

Earthquake in Alaska

On March 27th, 1964 a strong 9.2 earthquake hit the Prince William Sound area in Alaska. As the second strongest recorded earthquake, it resulted in a relatively low number of deaths (192 deaths). However, significant property damage took place in Anchorage, and all 47 states of the United States felt trembling. Due to significant improvements in research technology, the Alaska earthquake has provided scientists with valuable seismic data, allowing much better understanding of the nature of such phenomena.

Earthquake Kobe

In 1995, Japan was hit by one of the most powerful earthquakes ever, when a 7.2 magnitude quake hit the Kobe region in south-central Japan. Although it was not the most severe ever observed, the devastating impact was experienced by a significant part of the population - approximately 10 million people living in densely populated area. A total of 5,000 died and 26,000 were injured. The US Geological Survey estimated damage at $200 billion, with infrastructure and buildings destroyed.

Sumatra and andaman earthquake

The tsunami that hit all countries of the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 killed at least 230,000 people. It was caused by a large underwater earthquake near west coast Sumatra, Indonesia. His strength was measured at 9.1 on the Richter scale. The previous earthquake in Sumatra happened in 2002. It is believed that this was a preliminary seismic shock, and several aftershocks occurred during 2005. main reason huge amount victims was the lack of any system early warning in the Indian Ocean, capable of detecting the approaching Tsunami. To the shores of some countries where tens of thousands of people died, giant wave walked for at least a few hours.

Earthquake Kashmir

Jointly administered by Pakistan and India, Kashmir was hit by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in October 2005. At least 80,000 people died and 4 million were left homeless. Rescue work was hampered by conflicts between the two countries fighting over the territory. The situation was aggravated fast start winters and the destruction of many roads in the region. Eyewitnesses spoke of entire areas of cities literally sliding off the cliffs due to the destructive elements.

Disaster in Haiti

Port-au-Prince was hit by an earthquake on January 12, 2010, leaving half the population of the capital without their homes. The death toll is still disputed and ranges from 160,000 to 230,000 people. A recent report drew attention to the fact that by the fifth anniversary of the disaster, 80,000 people still live on the street. The impact of the earthquake brought with it dire poverty in Haiti, which is the most poor country in western hemisphere. Many buildings in the capital were not built in accordance with seismic requirements, and the people of a completely destroyed country did not have any means of subsistence, except for the international assistance provided.

Tohoku earthquake in Japan

The biggest nuclear disaster after Chernobyl was caused by a 9-magnitude earthquake near east coast Japan March 11, 2011. Scientists estimate that during a 6-minute earthquake colossal force 108 kilometers of the seabed rose to a height of 6 to 8 meters. This caused a large tsunami that caused damage along the coast. northern islands Japan. Nuclear power plant at Fukushima was badly damaged and attempts to save the situation are still ongoing. The official death toll is 15,889, although 2,500 people are still missing. Many areas have become uninhabitable due to nuclear radiation.

Christchurch

The worst natural disaster in New Zealand's history claimed 185 lives on February 22nd, 2011 when Christchurch was hit by a massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake. More than half of the deaths were caused by the collapse of the CTV building, which was built in violation of seismic regulations. Thousands of other houses were also destroyed, among them the city's cathedral. The government introduced state of emergency in the country so that rescue work can proceed as quickly as possible. More than 2,000 people were injured and reconstruction costs exceeded $40 billion. But in December 2013, the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce said that three years after the tragedy, only 10 percent of the city had been rebuilt.

It seems that natural disasters happen once every hundred years, and our vacation in one or another exotic country lasts only a few days.

The frequency of earthquakes of different magnitudes in the world per year

• 1 earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or more
• 10 - with a magnitude of 7.0 - 7.9 points
• 100 - with a magnitude of 6.0 - 6.9 points
• 1000 - with a magnitude of 5.0 - 5.9 points

Earthquake intensity scale

Richter scale, points	Force	Description
	Not felt	Not felt
	Very weak kicks	Feels just very sensitive people
		Felt only inside some buildings
	intensive	Perceived by the slight vibration of objects
	Pretty strong	Felt by sensitive people on the street
		Felt by everyone on the street
	Very strong	Cracks may appear in the walls of stone houses
	destructive	Monuments are being moved, houses are badly damaged
	devastating	Severe damage or destruction of houses
	Destroying	Cracks in the ground can be up to 1m wide
	Catastrophe	Cracks in the ground can reach more than a meter. Houses are almost completely destroyed
	Catastrophe	Numerous cracks in the ground, collapses, landslides. The emergence of waterfalls, the deviation of the flow of rivers. No building can withstand

Mexico City, Mexico

One of the most densely populated cities in the world is known for its insecurity. In the 20th century, this part of Mexico experienced the force of more than forty earthquakes, the magnitude of which exceeded 7 on the Richter scale. In addition, the soil under the city is saturated with water, making it vulnerable high-rise buildings in the event of natural disasters.

The most devastating were the tremors of 1985, when about 10,000 people died. In 2012, the epicenter of the earthquake fell on southeastern part Mexico, but the fluctuations were well felt in Mexico City and Guatemala, with about 200 houses destroyed.

2013 and 2014 were also marked by high seismic activity in different areas countries. Despite all this, Mexico City is still attractive for tourists due to its picturesque landscapes and numerous monuments of ancient culture.

Concepcion, Chile

Chile's second largest city, Concepción, located in the heart of the country near Santiago, regularly becomes a victim of aftershocks. In 1960, the famous Great Chilean earthquake with the highest magnitude in history of 9.5 destroyed this popular Chilean resort, as well as Valdivia, Puerto Montt, etc.

In 2010, the epicenter was again located near Concepción, about one and a half thousand houses were destroyed, and in 2013 the focus submerged to a depth of 10 km off the coast of central Chile (magnitude 6.6 points). However, today Concepción does not lose popularity among both seismologists and tourists.

Interestingly, the elements haunt Concepción for a long time. At the beginning of its history, it was located in Penko, but due to a series of destructive tsunami In 1570, 1657, 1687, 1730 the city was moved slightly south of its former location.

Ambato, Ecuador

Today, Ambato attracts travelers with its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, parks and gardens, and massive fruit and vegetable fairs. ancient buildings colonial era bizarrely combined here with new buildings.

Several times this young city, located in the central part of Ecuador, two and a half hours drive from the capital Quito, was destroyed by earthquakes. The most powerful were the aftershocks of 1949, which razed many buildings to the ground and claimed more than 5,000 lives.

AT recent times Ecuador's seismic activity persists: in 2010, an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred southeast of the capital and was felt throughout the country; in 2014, the epicenter moved to the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador, however, in these two cases there were no casualties.

Los Angeles, USA

Predict destructive earthquakes in Southern California- a favorite occupation of specialists geological surveys. Fears are justified: the seismic activity in this area is associated with the San Andreas Fault, which runs along the coast Pacific Ocean throughout the state.

History remembers the most powerful earthquake of 1906, which claimed 1500 lives. During 2014, the sunny year managed to survive twice the tremors (magnitude 6.9 and 5.1 points), which affected the city with minor destruction of houses and a severe headache for residents.

True, no matter how much seismologists frighten with their warnings, the “city of angels” Los Angeles is always full of visitors, and the tourist infrastructure here is incredibly developed.

Tokyo, Japan

Not by chance Japanese proverb says: "Earthquakes, fires and the father are the worst punishments." As you know, Japan is located at the junction of two tectonic layers, the friction of which often causes both small and extremely destructive tremors.

For example, in 2011, the Sendai earthquake and tsunami near Honshu (magnitude 9) killed more than 15,000 Japanese. At the same time, the people of Tokyo are already accustomed to the fact that several earthquakes of minor magnitude occur every year. Regular fluctuations impress only visitors.

Despite the fact that most of the buildings of the capital were built taking into account possible shocks, in the face of powerful cataclysms, residents are defenseless.

Repeatedly in its history, Tokyo has disappeared from the face of the earth and rebuilt again. The great Kanto earthquake of 1923 turned the city into ruins, and after 20 years, rebuilt, it was destroyed by a large-scale bombing by American air forces.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, seems to be created for tourists: it has many cozy parks and squares, miniature bridges and tunnels, architectural monuments and unusual museums. People come here to take part in the grandiose Summer City Program festivals and admire the panoramas that became the set of the Hollywood trilogy The Lord of the Rings.

Meanwhile, the city was and remains seismically core, from year to year experiencing tremors different strength. In 2013, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck just 60 kilometers away, causing power outages in many parts of the country.

In 2014, Wellington residents felt tremors in the northern part of the country (magnitude 6.3).

Cebu, Philippines

Earthquakes in the Philippines frequent occurrence, which, of course, does not in the least frighten those who like to lie on the white sand or swim with a mask and snorkel in a transparent sea ​​water. During the year, on average, there are more than 35 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0-5.9 points and one with a magnitude of 6.0-7.9 points.

Most of them are vibration echoes, the epicenters of which are located deep under water, which creates the danger of a tsunami. The tremors of 2013 claimed more than 200 lives, led to serious destruction in one of the most popular resorts of Cebu and in other cities (magnitude 7.2 points).

Employees of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are constantly monitoring this seismic zone, trying to predict future cataclysms.

Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Indonesia is considered to be the most seismically active region in the world. especially dangerous for last years managed to become - the most western in the archipelago. He is in a place of power tectonic fault, the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

The plate that forms the bottom of the Indian Ocean "squeezes" under the Asian plate here as fast as a human fingernail grows. The accumulated tension is released from time to time in the form of tremors.

Medan - The largest city on the island and the third most populous in the country. Two strong earthquakes in 2013 severely affected more than 300 local residents, about 4,000 houses were damaged.

Tehran, Iran

Scientists have been predicting a catastrophic earthquake in Iran for a long time - the whole country is in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. For this reason, the capital Tehran, where more than 8 million people live, was repeatedly planned to be moved.

The city is located on the territory of several seismic faults. Earthquakes of 7 points would destroy 90% of Tehran, whose buildings are not designed for such violence of the elements. In 2003, another Iranian city of Bam was turned into ruins by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

Today, Tehran is familiar to tourists as the largest Asian metropolis with many rich museums and majestic palaces. The climate allows you to visit it at any time of the year, which is not typical for all Iranian cities.

Chengdu, China

Chengdu - ancient city, the center of southwestern China's Sichuan province. Here they enjoy a comfortable climate, see numerous sights, and become imbued with the original culture of China. From here they get along tourist routes to the gorges of the Yangtze River, as well as to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and.

Recent Events reduced the number of visitors to these parts. In 2013, the province experienced powerful earthquake magnitude 7, when more than 2 million people were affected, about 186,000 houses were damaged.

Residents of Chengdu annually feel the effect of thousands of tremors of varying strength. In recent years West Side China has become especially dangerous in terms of seismic activity earth.

What to do in case of an earthquake

• If an earthquake caught you outside, stay away from the eaves and walls of buildings that could fall. Do not take shelter near dams, river valleys and beaches.
• If an earthquake caught you in a hotel, open the doors so that you can safely leave the building after the first series of aftershocks.
• During an earthquake, you can not run out into the street. Many deaths are caused by falling debris from buildings.
• In case of possible earthquake it is worth preparing a backpack with everything you need for a few days in advance. Have a first aid kit on hand drinking water, canned food, crackers, warm clothes, washing accessories.
• As a rule, in countries where earthquakes are frequent, all local cellular operators have a system for alerting customers about an approaching disaster. On vacation, be careful, watch the reaction of the local population.
• After the first push, there may be a lull. Therefore, all actions after it should be thoughtful and cautious.