San Fermín Earthquake and Tsunami Devastate Puerto Rico

October 11th, 1918

October 11th, 1918

How Long Ago?

106 years, 5 months, 4 days ago

Location

Puerto Rico

Category

Natural Disasters

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San Fermín Earthquake and Tsunami Devastate Puerto Rico

A 7.1 Mw earthquake struck Puerto Rico, triggering a tsunami that devastated coastal communities. The quake caused extensive destruction in San Fermín and surrounding areas, resulting in the loss of approximately 116 lives. Buildings and infrastructure were severely damaged, displacing thousands and marking a turning point in Puerto Rico's geological studies. Onlookers described the sea receding dramatically before the waves crashed ashore, a precursor to the ensuing disaster that caught many by surprise.

Severe quake struck on October 11, 1918.

Triggered devastating tsunami affecting coastal towns.

Death toll reached approximately 116 lives lost.

Led to major changes in infrastructure safety protocols.

What Happened?

The San Fermín earthquake, registering 7.1 Mw, rocked Puerto Rico on October 11, 1918. With its epicenter near the island's southwestern coast, the quake unleashed a catastrophic tsunami that overwhelmed coastal regions, specifically impacting cities like San Germán and Mayagüez. Residents felt the tremors as they disrupted daily life, resulting in panic as buildings swayed and crumbled. Following the initial quake, massive waves up to 20 feet high surged inland, leading to widespread devastation and loss of life. Emergency responses were hampered by the extensive destruction of communication lines and transportation infrastructure.

The aftermath revealed a disturbing picture; the historic death toll reached up to 116 people while thousands were left homeless. The earthquake prompted an urgent assessment of Puerto Rico's earthquake preparedness and building codes. The government acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure and promoted public awareness regarding seismic safety.

In terms of geological significance, the earthquake marked a pivotal point in understanding the tectonic activity of the region, reigniting interest in monitoring seismic events. The event underscored Puerto Rico's vulnerability to such natural disasters, particularly within the context of the Caribbean plate tectonics.

Why Does it Matter?

This earthquake highlighted the seismic risks faced by Puerto Rico, reshaping policies regarding building safety and emergency preparedness in the region. Its impact on geological studies helped improve monitoring methods, underlaying many future research efforts on tectonic movements in the Caribbean.

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