What Happened On January 13th?

Not to be the bearer of bad news following yesterdays’s blog (January 12th), but on January 13, 1915, Italy faced a devastating natural disaster—the Avezzano Earthquake. On this tragic day, a cataclysmic event struck central Italy, leaving a death toll of approximately 30,000 lives.

“An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain. The equality of all men,” said one of the survivors.

At 7:52 AM local time, the heart of Italy was violently shaken by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, near the town of Avezzano in the Abruzzo region. The tremors reverberated across the rugged landscape, causing widespread destruction in a matter of seconds. Entire communities were razed to the ground as buildings collapsed, trapping thousands beneath the rubble.

Although the magnitude of this earthquake was deadly, just 7 years prior in December of 1908, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the Strait of Messina, Italy killed 95,000 civilians. This caused a tidal wave, which caused further destruction. The timing of the Avezzano earthquake could not have been any worse.

The toll on human lives was staggering. Initial reports estimated that nearly 30,000 people perished in the disaster, making it the deadliest earthquake in Italian history. I measured that 76.92% of Avezzano’s population had been wiped out, leaving 2,000 others injured. Families were shattered, and the collective grief of a nation echoed through central Italy. 

The initial news of the earthquake elicited a global outpouring of sympathy and support. Nations near and far rallied to aid Italy in its darkest hour. Relief efforts were mobilized, providing essential supplies, medical assistance, and humanitarian aid to the affected regions.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Italy faced the monumental task of rebuilding shattered communities. Reconstruction efforts were arduous, but they showcased the resilience and determination of a nation unwilling to succumb to the despair left in the quake’s wake. The disaster also prompted a reevaluation of preparedness and construction standards, influencing subsequent policies to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

Did you know that Italy has the highest earthquake risk in all of Europe besides Greece and Romania?

We pray for the families and victims affected by the catastrophe.

Let’s discuss below.