1985 Earthquakes

About 67 destructive or powerful earthquakes occurred in 1985. The strongest earthquake occurred on September 19, in Mexico City. The earthquake reached a magnitude 7.9, according to the United States Geological Survey. The Mexico earthquake caused between 3 and 4 billion U.S. dollars of damage, and was felt by almost 20 million people; at least 9,500 people were killed, and about 30,000 were injured. A tsunami was generated which caused some damage at Lázaro Cárdenas, Zihuatanejo and Manzanillo.

The second strongest earthquake, occurred in Santiago, Chile on March 3. It was measured by the United States Geological Survey as magnitude 7.5, although University of Chile Seismologic Service measured it as magnitude 8.0. At least 177 people were killed, and 2,575 injured by this earthquake. It caused extensive damage throughout central Chile. It was felt in both Copiapó and Valdivia. A tsunami was also generated, and hit Valparaíso, Hilo, Alaska, Tahiti and Japan. Another earthquake magnitude 7.5 hit the Pichilemu, O'Higgins Region area on April 8, causing two more deaths.

A strong earthquake occurred on August 23, in southern Xinjiang, China. 71 people were killed, 162 injured, and about 15,000 homeless.

Northwest Canada was affected by a series of earthquakes in 1985, the strongest of them being of magnitude 6.6. The earthquakes had a long succession of aftershocks and jolts. The Nahanni earthquakes were one of the most significant earthquakes in Canada during the 20th century, and were felt in Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and southeastern Alaska.

Other strong earthquakes occurred in the Vanuatu Islands, New Britain, Indonesia, Hindu Kush, Central California and Hungary.