On April 1, 1931, the capital Managua was shaken by the earthquake. Its intensity on the Richter scale was measured at 6.1. As soon as the tremors were felt, there was chaos in the entire capital.
Earthquake in Nicaragua (File Photo)
The world has faced more than one earthquake of high intensity (Earthquake). Due to these earthquakes, the geographical location of many places has also changed. Millions of people have lost their lives due to earthquakes, while there are crores of people whose hopes have become zamindoz. One such earthquake occurred in Managua, the capital of the Central American country Nicaragua on this day, about 90 years ago. Two thousand people died in this natural disaster, while 45 thousand people became homeless.
On April 1, 1931, the capital Managua was shaken by the earthquake. Its intensity on the Richter scale was measured at 6.1. As soon as the tremors were felt, there was chaos in the entire capital. People started running out of their homes. The earthquake caused a fierce fire, which caused the burning of thousands of homes. This fire was so fierce that it kept burning till the next day. According to that time, there was a loss of 35 million dollars (about 250 crore rupees) in this entire disaster, which was too much for a small country like Nicargua.
5 to 6 second earthquake created terrible destruction
In the morning in Managua, people went out to go to their respective work. Till now the atmosphere of the capital was completely calm. Then the earthquake shook people at 10.10 am. The intensity of the Earthquake was so high that the roads in the western part of the city cracked. There was no significant loss in the eastern part of Managua. Earthquake tremors were felt for 5 to 6 seconds. But this time was enough to create havoc in the city. Its center was in the middle of Managua.
The most prosperous area of the capital turned into ashes
Earthquake tremors led to a fierce fire, which continued to burn for several days. With this fire, the area considered to be the most thriving in the city has been turned into ashes. In all, 33 blocks of the city were killed by this orgy of fire. The 10 square kilometer area of the capital was badly damaged. Except for the National Bank of Nicaragua, all the major government buildings in the city and most of the archives of the country were destroyed. The population of the city at that time was 60,000. Of this, about 45,000 people had to be homeless.
Prisoners lost most lives in jail
Ernest J. Swift, director of relief efforts by the American Red Cross, estimated losses ranging from about $ 30 to $ 35 million. At the same time, the highest number of deaths occurred in the city jail, where the inmates who failed to survive the earthquake. At the same time, American Marines and Gordia National immediately started relief work in Managua after the earthquake stopped. American soldiers immediately built a temporary hospital. While other soldiers started extinguishing the fire.
The people of the neighboring countries extended a helping hand
Citizens of Mexico, Panama and Central American countries also came forward to help people in Managua. Evacuation of dead bodies from within the debris began. The western part of the city looked like ruins. The United States provided medical supplies to help, so that no epidemic could spread. In total, two thousand people died due to this earthquake till the relief and rescue operations were over. Nicaragua’s economy suffered a lot from it.
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