Shensi, China, Jan. 23, 1556
China is always on the receiving end of huge quakes. However, none of the modern quakes can compare to the 1556 earthquake. It was a magnitude 8 quake (weaker than other quakes in the list) that led to the death of over 830,000 people! The damage was felt even up to 270 miles northeast of the epicenter. Most of the buildings in the towns affected totally collapsed. Also, let us take into consideration that it took place in the 1100’s. It was a time when there was no technology available to ensure the solid foundation of structures.
