Earthquakes are sudden reminders of the Earth’s restless nature. In 2020, while the world’s attention was focused on the global pandemic, several destructive earthquakes struck across different continents. From Turkey and Greece to Mexico and Croatia, these quakes caused devastating human losses, economic damage, and left lasting scars on communities. Looking back helps us understand how these events unfolded and what can be learned to reduce future risks.
Understanding What Made Them the “Worst”
Not all earthquakes of high magnitude become disasters. Some occur in remote or unpopulated regions, causing little damage. Others strike near major cities or shallow beneath the Earth’s surface, producing catastrophic consequences. When considering the most significant earthquakes of 2020, several factors stand out:
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Magnitude and depth: Larger and shallower earthquakes shake the ground more violently.
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Human cost: Deaths, injuries, and displacement measure the direct toll.
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Infrastructure and economic damage: Collapsed buildings, destroyed roads, and interrupted services.
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Secondary effects: Tsunamis, landslides, fires, and prolonged aftershocks.
By looking at these criteria, a handful of 2020’s earthquakes emerge as the most destructive.
The Aegean Sea Earthquake (Turkey & Greece, October 30)
On October 30, 2020, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Aegean Sea near the Greek island of Samos. Its shallow depth magnified the impact. In Turkey, the coastal city of Ä°zmir was hardest hit. Apartment blocks collapsed, streets were filled with rubble, and more than 1,000 people were injured.
The human toll was devastating: 117 people were killed in Turkey, while Greece also reported fatalities. A small tsunami followed, flooding parts of Samos and coastal Turkey. Thousands were left homeless as winter approached, adding another layer of hardship. This earthquake was the deadliest of 2020.
The Elazığ Earthquake (Turkey, January 24)
Earlier in the year, on January 24, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Elazığ in eastern Turkey along the East Anatolian Fault. Dozens of multi-story buildings collapsed, burying people beneath the rubble. The death toll reached 41, and more than 1,600 were injured.
Entire villages suffered damage, with homes destroyed and livelihoods disrupted. Rescue operations were hampered by winter conditions. Although smaller in magnitude than some other quakes in 2020, Elazığ’s shallow depth and proximity to population centers made it one of the year’s most destructive events.
The Oaxaca Earthquake (Mexico, June 23)
On June 23, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Mexico’s southern coast near Oaxaca. Tremors were felt across much of the country, including Mexico City, nearly 400 miles away. The shaking damaged homes, schools, health centers, and highways.
At least 10 people were killed and 23 injured. The quake triggered landslides in mountainous areas and damaged hundreds of buildings. A tsunami warning was issued, and small waves reached the coastline. Though the casualty numbers were lower compared to Turkey’s earthquakes, the wide area affected and the economic costs were significant.
The Petrinja Earthquake (Croatia, December 29)
Near the end of 2020, Croatia experienced its strongest earthquake in decades. On December 29, a 6.4 magnitude quake struck near the town of Petrinja. Its shallow depth meant the ground shaking was severe.
Entire streets in Petrinja were reduced to rubble, and many historical buildings collapsed. The quake killed several people, injured dozens, and left thousands homeless. Damage was estimated in the billions of euros. Coming during the winter, and in the midst of the pandemic, the earthquake made recovery even more difficult.
The Simeonof Earthquake (Alaska, July 22)
Alaska was home to the largest earthquake of 2020: a magnitude 7.8 event near Simeonof Island in the Aleutians. Fortunately, its remote location meant minimal direct human impact. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted.
Although the quake did not cause mass casualties, its sheer size serves as a reminder that seismic risks in remote regions can still threaten coastal communities if tsunami waves are generated.
The Zagreb Earthquake (Croatia, March 22)
Earlier in the year, Croatia also experienced a damaging 5.3 magnitude earthquake near Zagreb, its capital. Despite its moderate magnitude, its shallow depth and proximity to the city caused widespread structural damage.
Dozens of buildings were severely damaged, including hospitals and historical landmarks. The earthquake struck while the country was dealing with COVID-19 lockdowns, complicating evacuation and emergency response efforts. One person was killed, and many more were injured.
Other Notable Earthquakes of 2020
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Xinjiang, China (January): A magnitude 6.0–6.4 quake damaged hundreds of homes and killed at least one person.
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Puerto Rico (January): A series of earthquakes, including a 6.4 event, damaged homes and left thousands without power.
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Indonesia and the Philippines also experienced several strong quakes, though with limited casualties compared to the larger disasters elsewhere.
Comparison Table of the Worst Earthquakes of 2020
| Location & Date |
Magnitude |
Death Toll |
Estimated Damage |
| Aegean Sea (Turkey & Greece), Oct 30 |
7.0 |
117+ |
Billions (Turkey) |
| Elazığ, Turkey, Jan 24 |
6.7 |
41 |
Hundreds of millions |
| Oaxaca, Mexico, Jun 23 |
7.4 |
10 |
Billions |
| Petrinja, Croatia, Dec 29 |
6.4 |
7+ |
€5–5.5 billion |
| Simeonof, Alaska, Jul 22 |
7.8 |
0 |
Limited economic loss |
| Zagreb, Croatia, Mar 22 |
5.3 |
1 |
Hundreds of millions |
| Xinjiang, China, Jan 2020 |
6.0–6.4 |
1 |
Local housing damage |
The Global Picture in 2020
In total, seismologists recorded over 13,000 earthquakes worldwide with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher. Most caused little harm because they occurred far from population centers or deep underground. Yet as the earthquakes in Turkey, Mexico, and Croatia showed, when conditions align, even moderate quakes can become disasters.
The geographic distribution also highlighted familiar patterns:
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The Pacific “Ring of Fire” remained the most active seismic region.
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Turkey’s fault lines once again produced deadly outcomes.
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Europe, though less seismically active, saw surprising destruction in Croatia.
Why Some Earthquakes Were More Devastating
Several key factors explain why certain earthquakes in 2020 caused such extensive damage:
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Depth: Shallow quakes transmit more energy to the surface, amplifying shaking.
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Proximity to cities: Earthquakes near densely populated areas lead to higher casualties.
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Building standards: Poorly constructed or older buildings collapse more easily.
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Secondary effects: Tsunamis, aftershocks, and landslides compound the damage.
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Timing: Disasters can be worse if they strike during cold weather, at night, or during global crises such as the pandemic.
Lessons Learned from 2020
The earthquakes of 2020 provide urgent reminders of the need for preparedness:
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Stronger building codes: Modern construction standards save lives, but retrofitting older structures is equally important.
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Early warning systems: Even seconds of advance notice can prevent deaths.
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Public education: Teaching communities how to respond—drop, cover, and hold on—makes a difference.
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Urban planning: Avoiding construction on known fault lines reduces risks.
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International cooperation: Disaster relief efforts and shared expertise speed up recovery.
Conclusion
The year 2020 was marked not only by a pandemic but also by earthquakes that devastated communities across the globe. The Aegean Sea quake in Turkey and Greece, the Elazığ and Oaxaca disasters, and the Petrinja earthquake in Croatia all demonstrated how quickly lives can be upended.
These events highlight the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and resilience. While earthquakes cannot be prevented, their worst impacts can be mitigated through planning, education, and investment in safety. Remembering 2020’s tragedies is not just an exercise in looking back—it is a guide for protecting lives in the future.
