1908 Messina earthquake

The earthquake of 1908 in Messina, Italy was the worst natural disaster victims according to Europe in the 20th century.

On December 28, 1908 at 05:21 clock, the region was shaken by the Strait of Messina for 37 seconds by a strong earthquake, the cities of Messina, Reggio Calabria and Palmi were almost completely destroyed. The quake had a magnitude of Comparative calculations of 7.2 on the moment magnitude scale.

A tremors following the tsunami taught at another major damage and called for further victims. Estimates of the number of victims apart: In Messina and Reggio Calabria therefore lost 72000-110000 inhabitants their lives.

The damage

Almost all buildings including the cathedral, many public buildings and also the Palazzata on the harbor promenade, an imposing uniform line a mile long palace facade to the sea were destroyed in Messina, towards that and trade the underlying Town Hall, the silk factories and the banking houses was partially pre hidden. She combined this with it and gave them to the sea, a single palatial facade.

Likewise, severe destruction befell Reggio Calabria, where, among other things, real Palazzina on the waterfront, Villa Genoese Zerbi - or the baroque cathedral and the Byzantine Basilica Cattolica dei Greci were destroyed. Both cities lost so much of its architectural heritage of past centuries.

Relief

First aid were made by the surviving crew of the cruiser Piemonte and other naval vessels. In addition, especially the hurrying from the more southern Augusta Russian naval forces and a little later British warships were there.