List of earthquakes in 1941 explained
This is a list of earthquakes in 1941. 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. With 1,200 lives lost, Saudi Arabia experienced the heaviest death toll on January 11. Other deadly quakes occurred in Iran, Turkey, Taiwan, Burma, and China. There were 15 magnitude 7.0+ events altogether. The largest event was in the north Atlantic Ocean at the Azores–Gibraltar transform fault in November with a magnitude 8.0. Other large events struck India, Japan, and Mexico to name a few. Australia saw a couple of unusually large quakes this year.
Overall
By death toll
- Note: At least 10 casualties
By magnitude
Rank | Magnitude | Death toll | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|
1 | | | Azores–Gibraltar Transform Fault | | | |
2 | | | , east of Kyushu | | | |
= 3 | | | Mexico, Michoacan | | | |
= 3 | | | , Andaman Islands | | | |
= 4 | | | , off the northeast coast of New Britain | | | |
= 4 | | | United Kingdom, Santa Cruz Islands | | | |
= 4 | | | , Minahassa Peninsula, Sulawesi | | | |
= 5 | | | Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province | | | |
= 5 | | | , Tainan City | | | |
= 6 | | | Argentina, Jujuy Province | | | |
= 6 | | | New Zealand, Kermadec Islands | | | |
= 6 | | | China, Yunnan Province | | | |
7 | | | United Kingdom, South Sandwich Islands | | | |
= 8 | | | Philippines, south of Luzon | | | |
= 8 | | | Costa Rica, off the west coast of | | | | |
- Note: At least 7.0 magnitude
Notable events
January
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[1] | | 6.2 | 500.0 | | | | |
[2] | | 6.0 | 50.0 | | | | |
[3] | | 6.7 | 25.0 | | | | |
[4] | Nicaragua, off the west coast of | 6.0 | 60.0 | | | | |
[5] | | 6.0 | 220.0 | | | | |
[6] [7] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | 1,200 people were killed and a further 200 were injured. 700 homes were destroyed and another 1,000 were damaged in the 1941 Jabal Razih earthquake. | 1,200 | 200 |
[8] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[9] [10] | | 7.4 | 15.0 | | 4 deaths were caused. 1 home was destroyed and many sustained damage. | 4 | |
[11] | | 6.5 | 100.0 | | | | |
[12] | | 6.6 | 15.0 | | | | |
[13] | | 6.5 | 120.0 | | | | |
[14] | | 6.5 | 370.0 | | | | |
[15] | | 6.5 | 180.0 | | | | |
[16] | | 6.6 | 100.0 | | | | | |
February
Month: | February |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 9 |
Largest: | 6.9 Mw Philippines |
Deadliest: | 6.3 Mw Iran 730 deaths |
Fatalities: | 730 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[17] | | 6.9 | 605.0 | | | | |
[18] | | 6.5 | 35.0 | | | | |
[19] [20] | | 6.8 | 15.0 | | Some damage was caused. | | |
[21] | | 6.5 | 35.0 | | | | |
[22] | | 6.6 | 15.0 | | | | |
[23] [24] | | 6.3 | 15.0 | | 730 people were killed and major damage was caused. | 730 | |
[25] | | 6.2 | 170.0 | | | | |
[26] | | 6.7 | 180.0 | | | | |
[27] | | 6.6 | 50.0 | | | | | |
March
Month: | March |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 6 |
Largest: | 6.5 Mw 2 events |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[28] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | | | |
[29] | | 6.0 | 210.0 | | | | |
[30] | | 6.0 | 550.0 | | | | |
[31] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | |
[32] | | 6.5 | 25.0 | | | | |
[33] | | 6.5 | 100.0 | | | | | |
April
Month: | April |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 2 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Largest: | 7.6 Mw Mexico |
Fatalities: | 0 |
May
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[44] | | 6.5 | 80.0 | | | | |
[45] [46] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | 132 people were killed and 203 were injured. 6,321 homes were destroyed. | 132 | 203 |
[47] | | 6.0 | 60.0 | | | | |
[48] | | 6.6 | 160.0 | | | | |
[49] | | 6.7 | 580.0 | | | | |
[50] | | 6.8 | 15.0 | | | | |
[51] | | 6.0 | 230.0 | | | | |
[52] [53] | | 6.9 | 25.0 | | Dozens of people (likely no more than 50) were killed and many homes were destroyed. | 50 | |
[54] | | 7.4 | 35.0 | | | | |
[55] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | |
[56] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | | |
June
Month: | June |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Deadliest: | 7.6 Mw 1+ deaths |
Fatalities: | 1+ |
July
Month: | July |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Largest: | 6.4 Mw United States |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[67] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | | | |
[68] | | 6.0 | 120.0 | | | | |
[69] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[70] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | |
[71] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | | | |
[72] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | |
[73] [74] | | 6.4 | 35.0 | | | | | |
August
Month: | August |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 6 |
Largest: | 7.2 Mw New Zealand |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[75] | | 7.2 | 35.0 | | | | |
[76] | | 6.8 | 90.0 | | | | |
[77] | | 6.8 | 150.0 | | | | |
[78] | | 0.0 | 0.0 | | Minor damage was reported. The magnitude and depth were unknown. | | |
[79] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | | | |
[80] | | 6.0 | 180.0 | | | | |
[81] | | 6.5 | 35.0 | | Doublet earthquake. | | |
[82] | | 6.6 | 35.0 | | | | |
September
Month: | September |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 11 |
5.0-5.9: | 1 |
Largest: | 6.9 Mw 2 events |
Deadliest: | 6.0 Mw Turkey 430 deaths |
Fatalities: | 430 |
October
Month: | October |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 3 |
Largest: | 6.4 Mw United States |
Deadliest: | 6.0 Mw China 15 deaths |
Fatalities: | 15 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[98] [99] | | 6.4 | 10.0 | | | | |
[100] | | 6.0 | 0.0 | | 15 people were killed and a further 10 were injured. 70 homes were destroyed. | 15 | 10 |
[101] | | 6.0 | 110.0 | | | | | |
November
December
Month: | December |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 4 |
6.0–6.9: | 3 |
Largest: | 7.3 Mw 2 events |
Deadliest: | 7.3 Mw Taiwan 319 deaths |
Fatalities: | 376 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[115] [116] | | 7.3 | 20.0 | | 6 people were killed and at least 101 were injured. Many homes were destroyed. | 6 | 101+ |
[117] | | 6.0 | 35.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[118] | Costa Rica, off the west coast | 7.0 | 15.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[119] | | 6.2 | 35.0 | | | | |
[120] | Turkey, off the west coast | 6.0 | 100.0 | | | | |
[121] [122] | | 7.3 | 15.0 | | 319 people were killed in the 1941 Chungpu earthquake. 1,768 homes were destroyed. | 319 | |
[123] [124] | | 7.2 | 10.0 | | At least 51 people were killed and some homes collapsed. | 51+ | | |
Notes and References
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 2, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 4, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.7 – Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . January 5, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 6, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 7, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 11, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: YEMEN: RAZIH. National Geophysical Data Center. June 11, 2016 . January 11, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 12, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.4 – New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . January 13, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: PAPUA NEW GUINEA: BISMARCK SEA. National Geophysical Data Center. June 11, 2016 . January 13, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 20, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.6 – Bhutan. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . January 21, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 24, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 25, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 27, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . January 31, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . February 4, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . February 8, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.8 – offshore Northern California. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . February 9, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CALIFORNIA: NORTHERN. National Geophysical Data Center. June 11, 2016 . February 9, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . February 9, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.6 – near the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . February 11, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.3 – eastern Iran. United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2016 . February 16, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: IRAN: MOHAMMADABAD. National Geophysical Data Center. June 11, 2016 . February 16, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . February 23, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . February 25, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 11, 2016 . February 27, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . March 1, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . March 11, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . March 14, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . March 15, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – Kuril Islands. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . March 16, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . March 16, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – Kodiak Island region, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . April 1, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . April 3, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . April 3, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.8 – Jamaica region. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . April 7, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.6 – Michoacan, Mexico. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . April 15, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: MEXICO: MICHOACAN, COLIMA, JALISCO. National Geophysical Data Center. December 18, 2019 . April 15, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . April 18, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . April 19, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . April 20, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.3 – Western Australia. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . April 29, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 2, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 5, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. June 12, 2016 . May 5, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 6, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 7, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 8, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.8 – Luzon, Philippines. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . May 9, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 15, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.9 – Myanmar-China border region. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . May 16, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: YUNNAN PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. June 12, 2016 . May 5, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.4 – Santa Cruz Islands. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . May 17, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 23, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . May 24, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 11, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 16, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 18, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 18, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 23, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.6 – Andaman Islands, India region. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . June 26, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: INDIA: ANDAMAN ISLANDS,MADRAS; SRI LANKA: COLOMBO. National Geophysical Data Center. June 12, 2016 . June 26, 1941.
- Web site: EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI OF JUNE 26, 1941 IN THE ANDAMAN SEA AND THE BAY OF BENGAL. George Pararas-Carayannis. June 12, 2016 . June 26, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.3 – Northern Territory, Australia. United States Geological Survey. June 12, 2016 . June 27, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 12, 2016 . June 27, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 3, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 10, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 12, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 15, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 19, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . July 23, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.4 – Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . July 30, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.4 – Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. December 25, 2019 . July 30, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.2 – Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . August 2, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.8 – Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. December 25, 2019 . August 4, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.8 – south of Alaska. United States Geological Survey. December 25, 2019 . August 6, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TUNISIA: BOU-SAADIAH,ZAGHOUAN. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . August 7, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . August 9, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . August 14, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . August 30, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . August 30, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.7 – New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 4, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.6 – Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 9, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . September 10, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TURKEY: VAN, ERCIS. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . September 10, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.6 – near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 12, 1941.
- Web site: M 5.6 – 25 km NW of West Bishop, CA. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . September 14, 1941.
- Web site: M 5.6 – 25 km NW of West Bishop, CA. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . September 14, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.9 – Kermadec Islands region. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 16, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . September 17, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.4 – central Peru. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 18, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – east of the Kuril Islands. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . September 24, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.0 – Hawaii region, Hawaii. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . September 25, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.0 – Hawaii region, Hawaii. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . September 25, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.5 – Alaska Peninsula. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . September 28, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . September 29, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.4 – offshore Northern California. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . October 3, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.4 – offshore Northern California. United States Geological Survey. December 26, 2019 . October 3, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: SICHUAN PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . October 8, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . October 15, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.0 – Masbate region, Philippines. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 5, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.3 – eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 6, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.4 – Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 8, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . November 10, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TURKEY: ERZINCAN. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . November 12, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . November 15, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.9 – Kyushu, Japan. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 18, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: JAPAN: SHIKOKU. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . November 18, 1941.
- Web site: Tsunami Event: SEIKAIDO. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . November 18, 1941.
- Web site: M 6.6 – Kermadec Islands region. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 24, 1941.
- Web site: M 8.0 – Azores-Cape St. Vincent Ridge. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . November 25, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: ATLANTIC OCEAN: NORTHERN. National Geophysical Data Center. December 26, 2019 . November 18, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . November 27, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.3 – Costa Rica. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . December 5, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: COSTA RICA-PANAMA. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . December 5, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . December 6, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.0 – off the coast of Costa Rica. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . December 6, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . December 9, 1941.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. June 13, 2016 . December 13, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.3 – Taiwan. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . December 16, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TAIWAN. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . December 16, 1941.
- Web site: M 7.2 – Myanmar-China border region. United States Geological Survey. June 13, 2016 . December 26, 1941.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: YUNNAN PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. June 13, 2016 . December 26, 1941.