Haiyuan Earthquake, 1920

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The 1920 Haiyuan earthquake occurred on December 16, 1920, in Haiyuan County, Ningxia Province, China. It had a magnitude of approximately 7.9 on the moment magnitude scale, though earlier estimates ranged from 7.8 to 8.5. The earthquake was centered along the Haiyuan Fault, a major left-lateral strike-slip fault in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The disaster caused widespread destruction and resulted in an estimated death toll between 234,117 and 273,407, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in Chinese history. The earthquake led to over 50,000 landslides, with significant ground cracking and changes in river courses. It was felt across a vast area, from the Yellow Sea to Qinghai Province, and even caused seiches in Norway. The aftermath included severe homelessness and further casualties due to harsh winter conditions and aftershocks. The event was overshadowed by broader political and humanitarian crises in China at the time, limiting relief efforts. Despite its devastating impact, the Haiyuan earthquake remains a lesser-known event globally.