4 Strongest earthquakes to ever shake Jordan

Lifestyle

Published: 2017-08-30 16:57

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 15:27


Jordan is seldom shaken by tectonic movements.
Jordan is seldom shaken by tectonic movements.

Half a million earthquakes occur in countries around the world each year, according to an estimate by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Thankfully, Jordan is rarely one of them.

But while Jordan is seldom shaken by tectonic movements, on the few occasions in the past when the earth did move, it stayed with those who were around to feel the tremors.

These are the strongest earthquakes to ever shake the Kingdom.

 

The Safed earthquake - 1837

A magnitude 6.5-7.0 earthquake hit Safed in Palestine in 1837. Jordanians felt the strong tremors, which were so severe they left 6000-7000 casualties behind.

 

The Jericho earthquake - 1927

With a magnitude of 6.3, this earthquake, which hit near the Damya Bridge in the Jordan Valley and close to the city of Jericho, Palestine, left 100 people dead in Jordan, with a total of 287-500 casualties in both countries.

 

The Gulf of Aqaba earthquake - 1995

The Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba was hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1995. A small tsunami was also observed by witnesses in the area. Fifty buildings were damaged in nearby Eilat in Israel, while 9-12 people were recorded dead in total.

 

The Dead Sea earthquakes - 2004

Five earthquakes hit the Dead Sea in 2004. One of the quakes registered 5.2 on the richter scale, while the strongest one had a magnitude of 8.3. Every single Jordanian resident felt the earthquakes, but thankfully, no damage or injuries were reported.