Human consequences
The deadliest earthquake of the 20th century according to the official toll.
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EarthquakeTangshan earthquake
242,769Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- Official toll; some estimates exceed 650,000 deaths.
At 3:42 a.m., a magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes directly beneath this industrial city of one million people, built without seismic standards. About 85% of buildings collapse.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
Soil liquefaction and collapses in the mine galleries.
Economic consequences
The Kailuan coal mines, vital to northern Chinese industry, are shut down.
Political consequences
The regime refuses international aid. Coming in the year Mao died, the earthquake is seen by many as an omen.
Further reading
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In the rankings : The deadliest earthquakes in history No. 3
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