Top 10 Space Research Organisations in the World

10. Sumatra Earthquake 2005

Death Toll-1300 | Magnitude-8.7

Sumatra earthquake was one of the top 10 deadliest earthquakes of the century which occurred in Indonesia on March 28, 2005. The earthquake had the hypocenter located in the bed of Indian Ocean at a depth of 30 km. The magnitude of the earthquake recorded was 8.7. A small tsunami following the earthquake caused increased damage to the island. Immediately after the event about 8 aftershocks was felt within a period of 24 hours and was of magnitude ranging from 5.5 to 6.0. The earthquake and tsunami caused great damage to property leaving many people homeless and killed as many as 1300 lives.

9. Boumerdes Earthquake 2003

Death Toll-2266 | Magnitude-6.8

On May 21, 2003 the earthquake occurred in Northern Algeria. The epicenter was found to be situated in Thenia- a small town in Boumerdes Province. Northern Algeria lies on a zone of high seismic activity and due to this reason it became a centre for world’s one of the most devastating natural calamities. The magnitude of the earthquake recorded was 6.8 and it left around 200,000 people homeless, 10,261 injured and 2266 killed. Apart from this there was a huge destruction to property.

8. Java Earthquake 2006

Death Toll-5782 | Magnitude-6.3

The earthquake originated at a depth of 33 km in the Indian Ocean south to Java. The magnitude recorded was 6.3 and two aftershocks of magnitude 4.6 and 4.8 occurred within six hours of the first event. Even the aftershocks caused much damage to building and property. The natural calamity was so disastrous that it left around 1.5 million homeless and injured approximately 36,299 people.

7. Tohoku Earthquake 2011

Death Toll- 15,883 | Magnitude-9.0

Tohoku earthquake had one of the highest magnitude of 9.0 recorded and is one of the recent devastating earthquake of the century. The earthquake showed its appearance on March 21, 2011 off the coast of Japan. The epicenter was located 70 kilometers from the Oshika Penninsula of Tohoku. The earthquake triggered tsunami waves which hit Miyako and was as high as 40 meters. The earthquake and tsunami caused great damage to property and destroyed many lives. The death toll was as high as 15,833 and 6510 injured.

6. Gujarat Earthquake 2001

Death Toll-20,000 | Magnitude-7.7

When India was celebrating its 52nd Republic day on January 26, 2001 an earthquake of intensity 7.7 hit the district of Gujrat. The epicenter was found to be 9 km away from Chobari- A village in Bhachau Taluka. The calamity also had a devastating effect on southern Pakistan and took a death tool of 20,000 people in two countries. Hundreds of villages were destroyed leaving 600,000 people homeless across an area of 21 districts. Around 167,000 people were injured in the earthquake.

5. Bam Earthquake 2003

Death Toll- 26,271 | Magnitude-6.6

A 6.6 intensity of earthquake occurred in Bam and Kerman province on December 26, 2003 and caused a great disaster to both lives and property. The increase number of deaths and injuries was caused due to use of mud bricks in making houses which did not comply with earthquake regulation. The epicenter was located 10 kilometers southwest to the city of Bam and the great damage was caused within 16 kilometers radius. As much as 30,000 people were injured and 26,271 lives were destroyed in a single event.

4. Sichuan Earthquake 2008

Death Toll-69,197 | Magnitude-8.0

Also known as Wenchuan Earthquake it occurred in Wenchuan County, Sichuan. The epicenter was situated 80 kilometers for the capital of the province called Chengdu. The magnitude recorded was 8.0 and the tremors were also felt in nearby countries of Beijing and Shanghai. A total of 69,197 people were killed and as high as 374,176 people were injured. Reports showed that around 18,222 people were missing and as many as 4.8 people were left homeless.

3. Kashmir Earthquake 2005

Death Toll- 100,000 | Magnitude-7.6

October 8, 2005 brought one of the most devastating earthquakes of the 21st century. With the epicenter located in Pakistan, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6. Many people were affecting in surrounding countries including Jammu and Kashmir. Around 100,000 people died and 138,000 people were injured making it 18th deadliest earthquake of all time. As many as 3.5 million people became homeless. It was estimated that around 1,360 additional people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir itself.

2. Haiti Earthquake 2010

Death Toll- 100,000- 316,000 | Magnitude-7.0

Haiti Earthquake which occurred on January 12, 2010 had a magnitude of 7.0 and was the second largest earthquake in the 21st century. The epicenter was located 25 kilometers west of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Around 52 aftershocks were felt in next 10 day after the first event which had magnitude ranging 4.5 and higher. The number of deaths was estimated around 100,000 to 316,000 as recorded by Haitian Government. The earthquake was so devastating that it left many people homeless. It was during this time, when many countries responded to help the injured and displaced people of the earthquake.

1. Indian Ocean Earthquake 2004

Death Toll- 230,000 | Magnitude-9.1-9.3

Affecting 14 countries and a death toll of 230,000 people the Indian Ocean earthquake of December 26, 2004 is the deadliest natural disasters of all time. The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded to be in the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. The earthquake triggered tsunami waves of 30 meter height which destroyed coastline of many countries and damaged everything which came on its way. The magnitude was high enough to make the event third largest earthquake of all times. A donation of $14billion came in as humanitarian aid from across the world after the calamity.