In the late morning of November 29, 1732, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck the Irpinia region of southern Italy, particularly impacting the provinces of Avellino and Benevento in the former Kingdom of Naples. The quake caused widespread destruction, with thousands of buildings collapsing and rendering entire communities uninhabitable. The aftermath of the disaster was grim, with official estimates reporting nearly 1,940 deaths and countless injuries. Rescue efforts were hampered by the magnitude of the destruction, with local authorities struggling to provide aid to the affected populations.

The earthquake struck a region known for its geological instability due to the convergence of tectonic plates in the Mediterranean. In the years leading up to this disaster, there had been increasing reports of seismic activity, yet the magnitude of this quake far exceeded previous events. The landscape was irrevocably changed, with many towns and villages, including the town of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, suffering irreparable damage. Recovery efforts would take years, reshaping the affected communities and altering their demographics.

In the wake of the earthquake, the response from local and national authorities revealed the limitations of contemporary disaster preparedness. The Italian government coordinated some relief efforts, but logistical challenges and inadequate resources led to suffering for many survivors. Additionally, this tragedy prompted discussions about building codes and urban planning in earthquake-prone areas, ultimately catalyzing infrastructure reforms in the region. The catastrophic impact of the earthquake raised awareness of seismic dangers, leading to a greater emphasis on modernizing disaster readiness and response strategies.