Approximate epicenters of the earthquakes in 1939
| |||
Strongest magnitude | ![]() | ||
---|---|---|---|
Deadliest | ![]() | ||
Total fatalities | 62,860 | ||
Number by magnitude | |||
9.0+ | 0 | ||
This is a list of earthquakes in 1939. Only magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquakes appear on the list. Lower magnitude events are included if they have caused death, injury or damage. Events which occurred in remote areas will be excluded from the list as they wouldn't have generated significant media interest. All dates are listed according to UTC time. 1939 was one of the deadliest years for earthquakes with over 60,000 deaths. Two major events resulted in this being the case. In January, a quake struck Chile causing 30,000 deaths, and in December Turkey was shaken by a quake which left 32,700 dead. Several other events occurred in Japan, Peru, Turkey and Ghana which left some fatalities.
Rank | Death toll | Magnitude | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 32,700 | 7.8 | ![]() | XII (Extreme) | 20.0 | December 26 |
2 | 30,000 | 8.3 | ![]() | X (Extreme) | 35.0 | January 25 |
3 | 41 | 6.3 | ![]() | IX (Violent) | 35.0 | September 21 |
4 | 37 | 0.0 | ![]() | ( ) | 0.0 | June 24 |
5 | 27 | 7.0 | ![]() | ( ) | 10.0 | May 1 |
6 | 22 | 6.4 | ![]() | IX (Violent) | 15.0 | June 22 |
7 | 13 | 5.9 | ![]() | VII (Very strong) | 80.0 | November 21 |
8 | 12 | 7.8 | ![]() | ( ) | 15.0 | April 30 |
Rank | Magnitude | Death toll | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8.3 | 30,000 | ![]() | X (Extreme) | 35.0 | January 25 |
2 | 8.1 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 35.0 | December 21 |
= 3 | 7.8 | 5 | ![]() | ( ) | 35.0 | January 30 |
= 3 | 7.8 | 12 | ![]() | ( ) | 15.0 | April 30 |
= 3 | 7.8 | 32,700 | ![]() | XII (Extreme) | 20.0 | December 26 |
4 | 7.5 | 0 | southern Indian Ocean | ( ) | 15.0 | March 21 |
= 5 | 7.4 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 35.0 | April 18 |
= 5 | 7.4 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 135.0 | October 17 |
6 | 7.3 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 25.0 | December 21 |
= 7 | 7.2 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 100.0 | June 8 |
= 7 | 7.2 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 180.0 | August 12 |
8 | 7.1 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 15.0 | September 8 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 15.0 | February 3 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 30.0 | April 5 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 530.0 | April 21 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 27 | ![]() | ( ) | 10.0 | May 1 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 10.0 | May 2 |
= 9 | 7.0 | 0 | ![]() | ( ) | 20.0 | October 10 |
Strongest magnitude | 8.3 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 8.3 Mw ![]() 30,000 deaths |
Total fatalities | 30,005 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 1 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 [1] | ![]() | 5.3 | 0.0 | Major damage was reported. Depth unknown. | |||
18 [2] | ![]() | 6.2 | 70.0 | ||||
20 [3] | ![]() | 6.5 | 70.0 | ||||
22 [4] | ![]() | 6.2 | 35.0 | ||||
24 [5] | ![]() | 6.0 | 580.0 | ||||
25 [6] [7] | ![]() | 8.3 | 35.0 | X | The 1939 Chillán earthquake was one of the worst in Chilean history. 30,000 people were killed. Many homes were destroyed and damage costs were around $920 million (1939 rate). | 30,000+ | |
30 [8] [9] | ![]() | 7.8 | 35.0 | 5 people were killed and at least 101 were injured. Many homes were destroyed. | 5 | 101+ | |
30 [10] | ![]() | 6.5 | 200.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.0 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 3 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
3 [11] | ![]() | 7.0 | 15.0 | ||||
4 [12] | ![]() | 6.0 | 100.0 | ||||
16 [13] | ![]() | 6.6 | 35.0 | ||||
24 [14] [15] | ![]() | 6.3 | 79.0 | V |
Strongest magnitude | 7.5 Mw south Indian Ocean |
---|---|
Deadliest | 6.7 Mw ![]() 1 death |
Total fatalities | 1 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 3 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 [16] | ![]() | 6.0 | 35.0 | ||||
8 [17] | ![]() | 6.3 | 35.0 | ||||
20 [18] [19] | ![]() | 6.7 | 25.0 | A tsunami was generated. 1 person died and a home was destroyed. | 1 | ||
21 [20] | south Indian Ocean | 7.5 | 15.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.8 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 7.8 Mw ![]() 12 deaths |
Total fatalities | 12 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 4 |
6.0–6.9 | 2 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
5 [21] | ![]() | 7.0 | 30.0 | ||||
18 [22] | ![]() | 7.4 | 35.0 | ||||
20 [23] | ![]() | 6.0 | 35.0 | ||||
21 [24] | ![]() | 7.0 | 530.0 | ||||
25 [25] | ![]() | 6.2 | 150.0 | ||||
30 [26] [27] [28] | ![]() | 7.8 | 15.0 | A tsunami resulted in 12 deaths and some damage. The earthquake also caused the destruction of some homes. | 12 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.0 Mw 2 events |
---|---|
Deadliest | 7.0 Mw ![]() 27 deaths |
Total fatalities | 27 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 9 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
1 [29] [30] | ![]() | 7.0 | 10.0 | VII | 27 deaths were caused as well as 52 injuries. 479 homes were destroyed. | 27 | 52 |
1 [31] | ![]() | 6.5 | 10.0 | Aftershock. | |||
2 [32] | ![]() | 7.0 | 10.0 | ||||
6 [33] [34] | ![]() | 6.5 | 110.0 | V | |||
8 [35] [36] | ![]() | 6.7 | 10.0 | X | |||
17 [37] | ![]() | 6.5 | 35.0 | ||||
19 [38] | ![]() | 6.2 | 100.0 | ||||
22 [39] | ![]() ![]() | 6.2 | 35.0 | ||||
26 [40] | ![]() | 6.0 | 35.0 | ||||
26 [41] | ![]() | 6.3 | 25.0 | ||||
27 [42] | ![]() | 6.1 | 65.7 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.2 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 0.0 Mw ![]() 37 deaths |
Total fatalities | 59 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 [43] | ![]() | 6.5 | 35.0 | ||||
4 [44] | ![]() | 6.2 | 80.0 | ||||
8 [45] | ![]() | 7.2 | 100.0 | ||||
9 [46] | ![]() | 6.3 | 15.0 | ||||
13 [47] | ![]() | 6.7 | 150.0 | ||||
18 [48] | ![]() | 6.5 | 70.0 | ||||
22 [49] [50] | ![]() | 6.4 | 15.0 | IX | This was a rare event for the area. 22 people were killed and 130 were hurt. 1,500 homes were destroyed. | 22 | 130 |
22 [51] | ![]() | 0.0 | 0.0 | 37 deaths were caused as well as some damage. The magnitude and depth were unknown. | |||
27 [52] | ![]() | 6.6 | 35.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 6.8 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
4 [53] | ![]() | 6.6 | 275.0 | ||||
5 [54] | ![]() | 6.7 | 650.0 | ||||
12 [55] | ![]() | 6.5 | 20.0 | ||||
14 [56] | ![]() | 6.5 | 60.0 | ||||
20 [57] | ![]() | 6.8 | 635.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.2 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
1 [58] | ![]() | 6.5 | 140.0 | ||||
12 [59] | ![]() | 7.2 | 180.0 | ||||
18 [60] | ![]() | 6.5 | 55.0 | ||||
20 [61] [62] | ![]() | 6.3 | 75.0 | V | |||
25 [63] | ![]() | 6.6 | 90.0 | ||||
27 [64] | ![]() | 6.5 | 280.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.1 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 6.3 Mw ![]() 41 deaths |
Total fatalities | 43 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 4 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
8 [65] | ![]() | 7.1 | 15.0 | ||||
19 [66] | ![]() | 5.5 | 0.0 | VII | 2 people died and some homes collapsed. The depth was unknown. | 2 | |
20 [67] | ![]() | 6.5 | 80.0 | ||||
20 [68] | ![]() | 6.0 | 60.0 | ||||
22 [69] [70] | ![]() | 6.3 | 35.0 | IX | 41 people were killed and some damage was caused. | 41 | |
28 [71] | ![]() | 6.2 | 110.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 7.4 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 6 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
5 [72] | ![]() | 6.0 | 240.0 | ||||
7 [73] | ![]() | 6.5 | 35.0 | ||||
7 [74] | ![]() | 6.0 | 110.0 | ||||
10 [75] | ![]() | 7.0 | 20.0 | ||||
11 [76] | ![]() | 0.0 | 120.0 | VII | Many homes were destroyed. The magnitude was unknown. | ||
17 [77] | ![]() | 7.4 | 135.0 | ||||
20 [78] | ![]() | 6.0 | 35.0 | ||||
22 [79] | ![]() | 6.0 | 90.0 | ||||
30 [80] | ![]() | 6.5 | 150.0 |
Strongest magnitude | 6.7 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 5.9 Mw ![]() 13 deaths |
Total fatalities | 13 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
6.0–6.9 | 5 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
4 [81] | ![]() | 6.0 | 35.0 | ||||
10 [82] | ![]() | 6.2 | 35.0 | ||||
17 [83] | ![]() | 6.0 | 140.0 | ||||
18 [84] | ![]() | 6.5 | 75.0 | ||||
21 [85] | ![]() | 5.9 | 80.0 | VII | 13 people were killed and some damage was caused. | 13 | |
21 [86] [87] | ![]() | 6.7 | 190.0 | Some damage was caused. |
Strongest magnitude | 8.1 Mw ![]() |
---|---|
Deadliest | 7.8 Mw ![]() 32,700 deaths |
Total fatalities | 32,700 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 1 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 7 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
5 [88] | ![]() | 6.7 | 45.0 | ||||
16 [89] | ![]() | 6.5 | 60.0 | ||||
20 [90] | ![]() | 6.0 | 700.0 | ||||
21 [91] | ![]() | 7.3 | 25.0 | ||||
21 [92] [93] | ![]() | 8.1 | 35.0 | Many homes were destroyed. | |||
22 [94] | ![]() | 6.8 | 25.0 | ||||
25 [95] | ![]() | 6.2 | 125.0 | Aftershock. | |||
26 [96] | ![]() | 6.0 | 75.0 | ||||
26 [97] [98] [99] | ![]() | 7.8 | 20.0 | XII | The 1939 Erzincan earthquake caused major destruction in the area. 32,700 people were killed. Damage costs were $20 million (1939 rate). Scores of homes were ruined. | 32,700 | |
27 [100] | ![]() | 6.5 | 80.0 |