Guatemala City Earthquake
Guatemala City, Guatemala
February 4, 1976
At 3:04 a.m. on the morning of February 4, 1976, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake leveled much of Guatemala City, Guatemala, killing 23,000 people and leaving one-million others homeless. In a matter of minutes, about one third of the city was destroyed. All over the city, sleeping residents were crushed and killed when their weak adobe homes collapsed on top of them. Rescue efforts began immediately, but many people could not be saved, as it was extremely difficult to get help to the city. The roads and bridges leading to Guatemala City had been extensively damaged. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people suffered serious injuries. Strong aftershocks followed for an entire week, terrorizing the survivors, who were staying in improvised shelters. |
