class=notpageimage| Approximate epicenters of the earthquakes in 1947
| |||
Strongest magnitude | 2 events reached magnitude 7.6 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Deadliest | Iran, South Khorasan Province (Magnitude 6.9) September 23 500 deaths | ||
Total fatalities | 745 | ||
Number by magnitude | |||
9.0+ | 0 | ||
← 19461948 → |
This is a list of earthquakes in 1947. 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. Although a fairly busy year in terms of magnitude 7.0+ events, the death toll was relatively low at 745. Up to 733 deaths were attributed to two events in Iran and Peru. The largest events measured 7.6 which compared with recent years was quite modest. Magnitude 7.0+ earthquakes were generally spread around the world with Indonesia seeing the most.
Overall
By death toll
Rank | Death toll | Magnitude | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 500 | 6.9 | Iran, South Khorasan Province | VIII (Severe) | 15.0 | September 23 |
2 | 233 | 7.6 | Peru, Junin Region | X (Extreme) | 20.0 | November 1 |
- Note: At least 10 casualties
By magnitude
Rank | Magnitude | Death toll | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
= 1 | 7.6 | 0 | Indonesia, off the north coast of Papua (province) | VI (Strong) | 15.0 | May 27 |
= 1 | 7.6 | 233 | Peru, Junin Region | X (Extreme) | 20.0 | November 1 |
2 | 7.4 | 0 | Taiwan, northeast of | ( ) | 121.5 | September 26 |
= 3 | 7.3 | 0 | Republic of China (1912-1949), Qinghai Province | VII (Very strong) | 15.0 | March 17 |
= 3 | 7.3 | 0 | Indonesia, off the north coast of Papua (province) | VII (Very strong) | 15.0 | April 2 |
= 3 | 7.3 | 0 | India, Arunachal Pradesh | VII (Very strong) | 20.0 | July 29 |
= 3 | 7.3 | 3 | Greece, Peloponnese (region) | VII (Very strong) | 15.0 | October 6 |
= 4 | 7.2 | 0 | Nicaragua, eastern Managua | ( ) | 162.5 | January 26 |
= 4 | 7.2 | 0 | Argentina, Santiago del Estero Province | ( ) | 565.8 | January 29 |
= 4 | 7.2 | 0 | United States, Northern Mariana Islands | ( ) | 35.0 | June 19 |
= 4 | 7.2 | 0 | United States, central Alaska | VIII (Severe) | 26.0 | October 16 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | New Zealand, Hawke's Bay Region | VI (Strong) | 165.0 | March 25 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | Philippines, Leyte | VII (Very strong) | 15.0 | June 7 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | Indonesia, Molucca Sea | VI (Strong) | 15.0 | June 12 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | United States, Northern Mariana Islands | ( ) | 35.0 | June 13 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | Japan, eastern Sea of Japan | V (Moderate) | 15.0 | November 4 |
= 5 | 7.0 | 0 | Southeast Indian Ridge | ( ) | 60.0 | December 24 |
- Note: At least 7.0 magnitude
Notable events
January
Strongest magnitude | 7.2 Mw 2 events |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 2 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
3 | Soviet Union, east of Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.5 | 15.0 | ||||
21 | Chile, Antofagasta Region | 6.8 | 35.2 | ||||
26 | Nicaragua, eastern Managua | 7.2 | 162.5 | Some damage was caused. | |||
29 | Argentina, Santiago del Estero Province | 7.2 | 565.8 |
February
Strongest magnitude | 6.8 Mw Japan |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
6.0–6.9 | 4 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.5 | 130.0 | ||||
7 | United Kingdom, Solomon Islands | 6.3 | 15.0 | VII | |||
10 | Republic of China (1912-1949), western Xizang | 6.5 | 15.0 | VII | |||
18 | Japan, off the south coast of Honshu | 6.8 | 429.0 |
March
Strongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw Republic of China (1912-1949) |
---|---|
Deadliest | 5.5 Mw Republic of China (1912-1949) 1 death |
Total fatalities | 1 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 1 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 | Australia, Madang Province, New Guinea | 6.6 | 35.0 | VII | |||
17 | Republic of China (1912-1949), Qinghai Province | 7.3 | 15.0 | VII | |||
25 | New Zealand, Hawke's Bay Region | 7.0 | 165.0 | VI | Some damage was caused. A small tsunami was reported. | ||
26 | Republic of China (1912-1949), Yunnan Province | 5.5 | 0.0 | VII | 1 person was killed and at least 1 was injured. Many homes were destroyed. | 1 | 1+ |
April
Strongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw Indonesia |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 2 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
2 | Indonesia, off the north coast of Papua (province) | 7.3 | 15.0 | VII | |||
10 | United States, Mojave Desert, California | 6.5 | 6.0 | VIII | Surface ruptures were observed which was significant for the area. Some minor damage was caused. | ||
14 | Soviet Union, east of the Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.9 | 30.0 |
May
Strongest magnitude | 7.6 Mw Indonesia |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 2 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
6 | Australia, southwest of New Britain, Papua New Guinea | 6.8 | 35.0 | VI | |||
27 | Indonesia, Alor Archipelago | 6.5 | 100.0 | ||||
27 | Indonesia, off the north coast of Papua (province) | 7.6 | 15.0 | VI |
June
Strongest magnitude | 7.2 Mw United States |
---|---|
Deadliest | 5.5 Mw Republic of China (1912-1949) 3 deaths |
Total fatalities | 3 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 4 |
6.0–6.9 | 1 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
4 | Greece, Central Macedonia | 6.0 | 80.0 | ||||
7 | Republic of China (1912-1949), Sichuan Province | 5.5 | 0.0 | VII | 3 people were killed and some homes collapsed. | 3 | |
7 | Philippines, Leyte | 7.0 | 15.0 | VII | |||
12 | Indonesia, Molucca Sea | 7.0 | 15.0 | VI | |||
13 | United States, Northern Mariana Islands | 7.0 | 35.0 | Doublet earthquake. | |||
19 | United States, Northern Mariana Islands | 7.2 | 35.0 |
July
Strongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw India |
---|---|
Deadliest | 0.0 Mw Colombia 2 deaths |
Total fatalities | 2 |
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 | ||||||
10 | India, Himachal Pradesh | 6.0 | 60.0 | ||||
14 | Colombia, Narino Department | 0.0 | 10.0 | IX | 2 people were killed and some damage was reported. Magnitude unknown. | 2 | |
25 | Argentina, Salta Province | 6.2 | 580.0 | ||||
26 | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.5 | 80.0 | ||||
29 | India, Arunachal Pradesh | 7.3 | 20.0 | VII | 1947 Assam earthquake. |
August
Strongest magnitude | 6.8 Mw 2 events |
---|---|
Deadliest | 5.3 Mw France 3 deaths |
Total fatalities | 3 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 0 |
6.0–6.9 | 3 |
5.0–5.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
5 | India, off the coast of Pakistan | 6.8 | 15.0 | VII | |||
6 | Brazil, Acre (state) | 6.8 | 603.3 | ||||
6 | France, off the coast of Algeria | 5.3 | 0.0 | IX | 3 people were killed and at least 101 were injured. Some damage was reported. Depth unknown. | 3 | 101+ |
7 | Cuba, southeast of | 6.6 | 35.0 | VI |
September
Strongest magnitude | 7.4 Mw Taiwan |
---|---|
Deadliest | 6.9 Mw Iran 500 deaths |
Total fatalities | 500 |
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 | Tonga | 6.8 | 230.0 | ||||
3 | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.8 | 110.0 | ||||
23 | Iran, South Khorasan Province | 6.9 | 15.0 | VIII | 1947 Dustabad earthquake: 500 people were killed and major damage was caused. | 500 | |
26 | Taiwan, northeast of | 7.4 | 121.5 |
October
Strongest magnitude | 7.3 Mw Greece |
---|---|
Deadliest | 7.3 Mw Greece 3 deaths |
Total fatalities | 3 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 1 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
3 | Iran, Kerman Province | 6.2 | 35.0 | ||||
6 | Greece, Peloponnese (region) | 7.3 | 15.0 | IX | 3 people were killed and 20 were injured. 7,000 homes were destroyed. | 3 | 20 |
16 | United States, central Alaska | 7.2 | 26.0 | VIII | Some damage was caused in the area. |
November
Strongest magnitude | 7.6 Mw Peru |
---|---|
Deadliest | 7.6 Mw Peru 233 deaths |
Total fatalities | 233 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 2 |
6.0–6.9 | 3 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
1 | Peru, Junin Region | 7.6 | 20.0 | X | 233 people were killed and major damage was caused by the 1947 Satipo earthquake | 233 | |
4 | Japan, eastern Sea of Japan | 7.0 | 15.0 | V | A tsunami generated some damage on the coast of Hokkaido. | ||
9 | France, southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia | 6.6 | 15.0 | ||||
14 | Japan, northern Hokkaido | 6.7 | 160.0 | ||||
23 | United States, western Montana | 6.1 | 5.0 | VIII |
December
Strongest magnitude | 7.0 Mw Southeast Indian Ridge |
---|---|
Total fatalities | 0 |
Number by magnitude | |
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
7.0–7.9 | 1 |
6.0–6.9 | 0 |
Date | Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead | Injured | ||||||
24 | Southeast Indian Ridge | 7.0 | 60.0 |
References
- "M 6.5 – east of the Kuril Islands". United States Geological Survey. January 3, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. January 21, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. January 26, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "Significant Earthquake: EL SALVADOR: LA UNION". National Geophysical Data Center. January 26, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. January 29, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. February 2, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.3 – Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. February 7, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 6.3 – Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. February 7, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 6.5 – western Xizang". United States Geological Survey. February 10, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.5 – western Xizang". United States Geological Survey. February 10, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. February 18, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.6 – near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. March 2, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.6 – near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. March 2, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 7.3 – Qinghai-Sichuan border region, China". United States Geological Survey. March 17, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – Qinghai-Sichuan border region, China". United States Geological Survey. March 17, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 7.0 – North Island of New Zealand". United States Geological Survey. March 25, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – North Island of New Zealand". United States Geological Survey. March 25, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "Significant Earthquake: NEW ZEALAND: OFF COAST NORTH ISLAND". National Geophysical Data Center. March 25, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "Tsunami Event: OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND". National Geophysical Data Center. March 25, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "Significant Earthquake: CHINA: YUNNAN PROVINCE". National Geophysical Data Center. March 26, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia". United States Geological Survey. April 2, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia". United States Geological Survey. April 2, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 6.5 – 34 km SSE of Fort Irwin, CA". United States Geological Survey. April 10, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.5 – 34 km SSE of Fort Irwin, CA". United States Geological Survey. April 10, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "Manix Earthquake". Caltech. April 10, 1947. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- "M 6.9 – east of the Kuril Islands". United States Geological Survey. April 14, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.8 – New Britain region, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. May 6, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 6.8 – New Britain region, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. May 6, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. May 27, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.6 – near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia". United States Geological Survey. May 27, 1947. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
- "M 7.6 – near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia". United States Geological Survey. May 27, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. June 4, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "Significant Earthquake: CHINA: SICHUAN PROVINCE". National Geophysical Data Center. June 7, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – Leyte, Philippines". United States Geological Survey. June 7, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – Leyte, Philippines". United States Geological Survey. June 7, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "M 7.0 – Molucca Sea". United States Geological Survey. June 12, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – Molucca Sea". United States Geological Survey. June 12, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "M 7.0 – Mariana Islands region". United States Geological Survey. June 13, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.2 – Mariana Islands region". United States Geological Survey. June 19, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. July 10, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "Significant Earthquake: COLOMBIA: PASTO". National Geophysical Data Center. July 14, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "The Pasto, Colombia, earthquake of July 14, 1947". Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America. July 14, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. July 25, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. July 26, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – eastern Xizang-India border region". United States Geological Survey. July 29, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – eastern Xizang-India border region". United States Geological Survey. July 29, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "M 6.8 – southwestern Pakistan". United States Geological Survey. August 5, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.8 – southwestern Pakistan". United States Geological Survey. August 5, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. August 6, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "Significant Earthquake: ALGERIA". National Geophysical Data Center. August 6, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.6 – Cuba region". United States Geological Survey. August 7, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.6 – Cuba region". United States Geological Survey. August 7, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. September 2, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. September 3, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.9 – eastern Iran". United States Geological Survey. September 23, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.9 – eastern Iran". United States Geological Survey. September 23, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "Significant Earthquake: IRAN: DUSTABAD". National Geophysical Data Center. September 23, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. September 26, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. October 3, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – southern Greece". United States Geological Survey. October 6, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.3 – southern Greece". United States Geological Survey. October 6, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "Significant Earthquake: GREECE: S: PYLIA (MESSINIA)". National Geophysical Data Center. October 6, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.2 – Central Alaska". United States Geological Survey. October 16, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.2 – Central Alaska". United States Geological Survey. October 16, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "M 7.6 – central Peru". United States Geological Survey. November 1, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.6 – central Peru". United States Geological Survey. November 1, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "Significant Earthquake: PERU: SATIPO,ANDAMARCA,ACOBAMBA,LA MERCED,VICTOC". National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – eastern Sea of Japan". United States Geological Survey. November 4, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 7.0 – eastern Sea of Japan". United States Geological Survey. November 4, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "Tsunami Event: W. HOKKAIDO ISLAND". National Geophysical Data Center. November 4, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.6 – southeast of the Loyalty Islands". United States Geological Survey. November 9, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. November 14, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- "M 6.1 – western Montana". United States Geological Survey. November 23, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "M 6.1 – western Montana". United States Geological Survey. November 23, 1947. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- "On-Line Bulletin". International Seismological Centre. December 24, 1947. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
Earthquakes by year | |
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19th century | |
20th century |
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21st century | |