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Reggio Calabria) to add another intensity level: 11.
The rest of Italy had no idea of what was happening when the earthquake struck; all means of communication with the outside world were severed. With telegraph and telephone lines not working a wireless telegraph service was arranged by ships in the Mediterranean Sea.
The first to begin the rescue operations was a fleet of Russian warships on the morning of the 29th The Admiral Makarov and two other Russian ships: Slava, Tsesarevich, which at the time were in Augusta. This marked the beginning of a massive international relief operation. On the 30th British ships started arriving from Malta; French, German and Italian ships followed suit. Upon hearing about the disaster, President Roosevelt also offered America’s help; four ships from the Great White Fleet: Connecticut, Illinois, Culgoa, and Yankton, were dispatched immediately to provide crucial humanitarian aid
and provisions.
Europe had never seen such destruction. It was the first time Europe and America had joined together in solidarity to help earthquake victims. Ships arrived with surgeons, nursing sisters, medical supplies, military medical officers, field ambulances, bedding etc. Temporary wooden barracks were put up and all emergency supplies of food, clothing and medication were dispatched.
Relief funds were set up worldwide. Stamps and cards were also sold with the proceedings going to numerous earthquake funds.
Did you know?
Calabria is part of the most active seismic belt in Italy: the Calabrian Arc.
Some of Calabria's Earthquakes often associated with destructive tsunami
1169
1638
1693
1783
1905
1908
To read original newspaper articles go to:
New York Times
Times Newspaper
Gazzetta Del Sud Special Edition:
Cento anni
Calabria is a highly seismic region. Some scientists believe violent earthquakes hit at intervals of roughly 100 - 1000 thousand years.
v Your home should comply with seismic building regulations. Earthquakes cannot be prevented or stopped so it is wise to consider adding earthquake insurance to your building insurance policy.
v There are a few things that you should know and do in the event of an earthquake.
For guidance search:
or
For Civil Protection Services Call:
Protezione Civile - Regione Calabria:
800 22211
Commemorating the Centenery of the Strait of Messina Earthquake
1908-2008
Go to the Official Site
The 1908 earthquake was the first ‘national’ catastrophe Italy had to face since unification. Both Messina and Reggio Calabria were almost completely razed
to the ground.