Worst Earthquakes in history Shensi China Jan 23 1556 Tangshan China July 27 1976 Aleppo Syrnia Aug 9 1138 sumatra indonesia Dec 26 2004 Hati Jan 12 2010 Damghan Iran dec 22 1856 Hayiun Ningita China Dec 16 1920 Ardabi Iran March 2000 some facts They can also cause huge waves called tsunimas Earth quakes form by the tectonic plates