458 years ago: Deadliest earthquake in history rocked China on January 23, 1556

458 years ago: Deadliest earthquake in history rocked China on January 23, 1556

January 23, 1556
Shaanxi earthquake also known as Jiajing earthquake

The world’s deadliest recorded earthquake occurred January 23, 1556 in central China. It struck a region where most people lived in caves carved from soft rock. These dwellings collapsed during the earthquake, killing an estimated 830,000 people. In 1976 another deadly earthquake struck in Tangshan, China, where more than 255,000 people were killed.

Later scientific investigation revealed that the magnitude of the quake was approximately 8.0 to 8.3, which isn’t close to the strongest tremor on record.

Source: USGS
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January 23, 1909
M7.3 – Iran
Borujerd earthquake also known as Silakhor earthquake
One of the world’s deadliest earthquakes.
5,000 to 6,000 casualties. About 60 villages destroyed or severely damaged. Casualties occurred in 130 villages. Over 40 km (25 mi) of surface rupture was seen on the Dorud Fault. Aftershocks continued for nearly 6 months.