Today in Earthquake History

On February 6th...

• M4.5 - Central Italy, 1971

  This earthquake occurred near Tuscania, Italy. It left 20 dead, over 100 injured, and about 5,000 homeless. It was reported that the medieval section of Tuscania, a city of 8,000, located 50 miles northwest of Rome, was practically leveled, and 60 percent of the city's buildings destroyed. Among those structures sustaining serious damage were the 8th century St. Peter's Church and the 12th century Basilica of St. Mary Major, both recently restored. The heavy damage sustained was due to the shallow depth of the earthquake and poorly constructed buildings.
  From Earthquake Information Bulletin, Volume 3, Number 3.

• M7.7 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, 1916

  One of the Largest Earthquakes in the United States.

• M  - Northwest Florida, 1780

  One of the largest historical earthquakes in Florida. Intensity VI. Regimentals and arms racks fell from walls in many barracks; everything in the rooms was moved; doors were sprung. Chimneys were thrown together causing fires. Neighboring houses clashed together, and people buried in the ruins cried for help. This event occurred during a "fearful" storm that was accompanied by violent thunder and lightning and raging seas. Possibly a hurricane.