10. Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles could be in big trouble in the near future if a World Geological Survey is accurate. The survey claims, “California is more than 99% likely to be hit by a big earthquake – one that ranks above a 6.7 magnitude – within the next 30 years.” Unfortunately, the infrastructure of the city is only equipped to handle earthquakes up to a certain magnitude, so a strong quake will no doubt be devastating. Angelenos don’t tend to get worked up about this impending threat, even though they had a nasty shake-up during 1994’s Northridge quake. It’s impossible to time these things, of course, but when the big one hits you don’t want to be at Disneyland with the kids.
11. Santiago, Chile
The citizens of Chile’s capital are less likely to be confronted directly with an earthquake as they are a tsunami. Take, for example, the earthquake that struck near the country last September, “An 8.3 quake hit Chile at that time, which generated a destructive tsunami and killed at least 13 people.” It also caused billions in damage and a million people to evacuate.
12. Vancouver, Canada
Fortunately, Vancouver has been spared the catastrophe of a major earthquake for several decades, though the area still reports tremors every once in a while. Fortunately, most of them are below a magnitude of 5.0. Of course, seismic activity in the region also essentially promises that it’s only a matter of time until a major quake strikes in the stunning West Coast city’s vicinity.
