April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, and for insurers, now is an opportune time to advise policyholders and prospective customers on the risks seismic activity poses to their properties and businesses. According to the latest FEMA data, earthquake losses in the U.S. total roughly $6.1 billion dollars annually — $4.45 billion (73%) of which is sustained by California alone. History can be an effective teaching tool, as past events provide measurable proof of the dangers and threats seismic events pose and identify areas facing the greatest risks. In a recent post, Statista chronicled the world's strongest earthquakes ever recorded according to a list by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ranked by measurements on the Richter scale. Based on the Richter scale, the strongest earthquake ever recorded reached a magnitude of 9.5 out of 10, the highest ever documented. According to Statista, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 or higher is defined as "causing near or at total destruction, causing severe damage to or the collapse of all buildings." A review of the USGS data indicates the strongest earthquakes all occurred roughly over the past 100 years. Of the top 15 earthquakes ranked, six occurred in the last two decades. Some countries appear on the list several times. Among some of the most affected locations is Indonesia, particularly North Sumatra and South Sumatra, accounting for five of the 15 strongest earthquakes recorded to-date. In the slideshow above, discover the 15 strongest earthquakes ever recorded, according to the USGS, ranked by measurements on the Richter scale. See also: |

• How to help customers prepare for earthquake risk
• 5 ways to protect your assets from earthquake losses
• Earthquake preparedness: What to do before, during and after