The previous record was an 8.6-magnitude earthquake that struck near the Chubu Region near southwestern Honshu on October 28, 1707, that may have killed 5, 000 people, CNN meteorologist Sean Morris said.

CNN: Widespread destruction from Japan earthquake, tsunamis

On April 9th a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit southern Iran, near the Bushehr nuclear-power plant, killing 37 people and injuring more than 800.

WSJ: Strong Quake Hits Southeastern Iran

Nantou is near the epicenter of a magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck Taiwan in 1999 and killed more than 2, 300 people.

WSJ: Quakes Kill 2 in Taiwan, Injure 33 in Philippines

On April 9, a magnitude-6.3 earthquake hit southern Iran, near the Bushehr nuclear-power plant, killing 37 people and injuring more than 800.

WSJ: Strong Quake Hits Southeastern Iran

Los Angeles (CNN) -- A magnitude 3.8 earthquake in southern California struck San Bernardino County near the San Andreas Fault Saturday morning, but no major damage was reported, authorities said.

CNN: Earthquake registering 3.8 strikes southern California

New Delhi (CNN) -- At least 18 people -- 13 in India and five in Nepal -- died when a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck the northern Indian state of Sikkim near the border between the two nations Sunday night, local government officials told sister network CNN-IBN.

CNN: 18 dead in India, Nepal after magnitude-6.9 quake