Earthquakes cause more property damage and loss of life than any other natural disaster. Since earth quakes can start a chain reaction one of which is detonating a series of volcanic activity as well as tsunamis. One such moment in time was on May 22, 1960.

An earth quake measuring 9.5 rocked Chili. The tsunami that was generated roar through the ocean and within hours hit the Hilo side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It was reported to have made it all the way to Japan. Nearly five thousand were killed and an estimate of $500 million in damages. According to the U.S. Geology Survey, the 9.5 was dubbed “The largest earthquake in the world.”

The 1960 earthquake that rattled Chili most likely was the largest that generation had seen. However on January 23, 1556 in Shaanxi, China an unknown quake destroyed 60% of the population. Killing well over 830,000 people. The Shaanix earth quake rocked 500 miles of farm land, hills and forestry. We still have yet to feel something of this magnitude.

December 26, 2004 off the coast of Aceh, province of Northern Indonesian Island of Sumatra certainly reminded the world just what earthquakes can do. A 9.0 measurement rumbled through eleven countries bringing a death toll of 225,000.

October 8, 2005 a 7.6 took the lives of 88,710 people in Pakistan. On December 12, 2003 a 6.6 killed 31,000 in Southeastern Iran. But it was the May 12, 2008 that reminded us all of the devastation left in the after shocks of an earthquake. In Eastern Sichuan China a 7.9 claimed the lives of 69,000.

Through out history earthquakes have shaped and formed the continents of our planet. August 13, 1868 in Peru, Africa which is now modern Chili 25,000 people lost their lives to an earthquake of 9.0. November 1, 1755 Lisbon was violently thrown about for six minutes by an earthquake of 9.0. This earthquake was felt throughout Finland and Portugal. 90,000 people died as 4/5 of Lisbon was completely destroyed.

Although modern science still can’t predict the next earthquake there are precautions to take. If an earthquake does hit and you are outside, stay away from power lines, trees and walls. If you are inside, stay inside. Find cover under a table or door frame. Find a place safe from windows or pictures. Most deaths are caused by people running outside and getting crushed by falling debris.