ded history. If that earthquake had happened in the United States, it would have probably been the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. (Ring Of Fire Is Roaring To Life and Earthquakes Of Historic Importance: US West Coast. American Dream, April 17, 2011. http://www.rightsidenews.com/2012041716064/life-and-science/energy-and-environment/ring-of-fire-is-roaring-to-life-and-earthquakes-of-historic-importance-us-west-coast.html)
In less than a day in Iceland in 2014, there were at least 500 earthquakes (see 500 earthquakes hit Iceland, today).
Earthquake dangers seem to be rising.
Thus far, history indicates that the deadliest earthquakes have affected China and Indonesia. Here is information on what are believed to be the three deadliest earthquakes in recorded history:
Deadliest Earthquake - Jan 23, 1556 The [magnitude 8] earthquake occurred near Huaxian, Shaanxi (formerly Shensi), China, about 50 miles east-northeast of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi. More than 830,000 people were killed. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/most_destructive.php
Tangshan, China - July 28, 1976 This earthquake occurred in the northeastern part of China, near the coast. The epicenter was centered about 140 kilometers southeast of Beijing, in the vicinity of Tangshan. The first earthquake, magnitude 7.5, was followed by a major aftershock 15 hours later. According to official sources, the two earthquakes killed over 240,000 people, although some estimates of the death toll are as high as 655,000. Over 799,000 people were injured. Aftershocks in the 5.0-5.5 range continued after the main shock. Damage extended as far as Beijing. This is probably the greatest death toll from an earthquake in the last four centuries, and the second greatest in recorded history.
Sumatra Earthquake, Tsunami - Dec 26, 2004 This is the third largest earthquake in the world since 1900 [magnitude 9.1] and is the largest since the 1964 Prince William Sound, Alaska earthquake. In total, 227,898 people were killed or were missing and presumed dead and about 1.7 million people were displaced by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 14 countries in South Asia and East Africa. (In January 2005, the death toll was 286,000. In April 2005, Indonesia reduced its estimate for the number missing by over 50,000.) USGS Full list at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/events/1976_07_27.php
Earthquakes have killed many, and are expected to kill many more.
While there is no doubt that how well buildings are made affects how many buildings survive earthquakes and thus at least indirectly, how well human beings survive earthquakes, some feel that people have more to do with earthquakes than commonly believed.
Could human activity be doing anything that could possibly be contributing to earthquakes? While most geologists do not promote the theory, there are those that believe that human activity may be contributing to at least some earthquakes.
Specifically, the drilling for oil, methane, and other substances creates empty pockets that are susceptible to collapse. Furthermore, some believe that deep drilling itself can cause or contribute to "cracks" that ultimately can result in earthquakes. Notice the following from a self-described investigator:
Drilling and Earthquakes
16 June 2004: US Department of Energy meeting summary: "Alternatively, an undersea earthquake today, say off the Blake Ridge or the coast of Japan or California might loosen and cause some of the sediment to slide down the ridge or slump, exposing the hydrate layer to the warmer water. That in turn could cause a chain reaction of events, leading to the release of massive quantities of methane. Another possibility is drilling and other activities related to exploration and recovery of methane hydrates as an energy resource..."
1 February 2011: "Seabed drilling exploration for methane hydrate in coastal waters, utilizing a world-class deep sea exploration vessel, is scheduled to start Saturday. In the planned exploration, the Chikyu is expected to drill 100 meters to 400 meters into the seabed, wh