8.6 magnitude earthquake hits Assam - Tibet, 1950

On this date in 1950, a massive 8.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Assam - Tibet region, killing at least 780 people, injuring thousands, and destroying many buildings. Cracks developed in the ground and large landslides occurred, and a village slid into a river and was washed away. Severe damage was also experienced in Assam, India and the vicinity. A natural dam broke 8 days after the earthquake, producing a 23 ft tall wave which destroyed several villages downstream and killed 536 people.