1908 Messina earthquake

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The Messina Earthquake was an earthquake that occurred on December 28, 1908. Estimated fatalities range from 60,000^[1] to 200,000^[2].

[1]

[edit] The Aftermath

In the years following 1908, precautions were taken when reconstruction began, building architecture that would be able to withstand earthquakes of variable magnitude, if one should strike again. In the midst of reconstruction many of the Italian residents were relocated to various parts of Italy. However, in 1909 some 850 survivors who were not relocated emigrated to America, specifically New York City. They were transported on a cargo shipped called the "Florida." Sadly, after traveling on this ship for 2 weeks it encountered another problem, fog. The ship collided with a luxury passenger liner, the "Republic". Chaos ensued with passengers becoming desperate for safety; desperate measures were taken to calm them down. Eventually the survivors were rescued at sea and brought into the New York harbor where they would start a new life^[2].

[edit] The cause

The cause of this earthquake is due to normal faulting between plates. Italy sits along the boundary zone of the African Continental plate and this plate is pushing against the seafloor underneath Europe at a rate of 1 inch per year. This causes vertical displacement which in turn can cause earthquakes^[3].

[edit] References

1. ^ Recent Seismic Activity of the Messina Straits Area, Italy, and the Magnitude 7, 1908 Messina Earthquake
2. ^ ^{a b} PBS Article
3. ^ Sicilian culture: 1908 Messina - Reggio Earthquake & Earthquake Prone Italy