Some cities are built in paradise until the Earth decides to move. Beneath the surface of these vibrant, populated places lie fault lines just waiting to rupture. Scientists can’t predict exactly when, but the clock is ticking.
Here are 10 earthquake-prone cities that sit on geological time bombs, where a major quake isn’t a question of if but when.
1. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul lies dangerously close to the North Anatolian Fault, one of the world’s most active fault lines. A major quake struck nearby in 1999, killing over 17,000 people. A direct hit could be catastrophic for the city’s millions of residents and rich cultural heritage.
2. Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles sits atop the San Andreas Fault and other dangerous fault lines, making it highly earthquake-prone. Experts say the region is overdue for a major quake, which could cause devastating damage, especially in areas with older, vulnerable buildings.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo lies at the intersection of three tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the world. With memories of the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake still looming, experts fear another massive quake could strike within decades putting over 35 million people at risk.
4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu lies in the Himalayan foothills, sitting on a locked fault where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide. The 2015 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes, but geologists warn that the full release of stress has yet to occur, leaving the city at continued risk.
5. Tehran, Iran
Tehran sits close to different blame lines, counting the North Tehran and Moshe issues, with millions living in buildings that are helpless to major shakes. Seismologists caution that a tremor over size 7 might strike, causing disastrous harm to the city’s maturing foundation.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City’s location on an ancient lakebed makes it highly vulnerable to shaking, with soft, waterlogged soil amplifying seismic waves from even distant quakes. The city has experienced deadly quakes before, including the 1985 disaster, and another major earthquake remains a constant threat.
7. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is situated near fault zones and the Sunda Megathrust, a powerful subduction zone capable of producing massive quakes and tsunamis. Additionally, the city is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, which increases its vulnerability, especially if a quake strikes near sea level.
8. Manila, Philippines
Manila is located near the Valley Fault System, a series of active faults capable of generating a powerful earthquake. Experts caution that in a worst-case scenario, over 100,000 buildings could collapse, with the city’s rapid growth and high population density significantly amplifying the risk.
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9. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is located near the San Andreas Fault, a fault line notorious for its seismic activity. The 1906 earthquake was a pivotal event in the city’s history, and experts believe another major quake is inevitable. While San Francisco has made significant strides in improving earthquake preparedness, the threat of a “Big One” remains a significant risk for the Bay Area.
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10. Port-au-Prince, Haiti
In 2010, an annihilating size 7.0 seismic tremor struck close to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, murdering over 200,000 individuals. The Enriquillo-Plantain Cultivate blame, still beneath monstrous weight, remains a major danger. With Haiti’s constrained foundation and assets, a future shake seems possibly be as disastrous, if not more awful, than the 2010 catastrophe.
Each of these cities is vibrant and full of life but they’re also perched on fault lines with a long memory and unfinished business. Earthquakes don’t follow schedules. But in these places, the countdown has already begun.
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