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Callao after the devastating earthquake from 1746

18th Century Earthquakes

Records about Historical Earthquakes in Peru

On the 28th of October 1746 a massive earthquake, the largest to strike central Peru in recorded history, ravaged Lima, by now a bustling city with 50,000 citizens. This magnitude 8.6 quake completely destroyed Lima and everything else along the central Peruvian coast. According to reports half an hour after the quake, a large tsunami struck the shore causing great damage at all Peruvian ports. Callao was completely destroyed.

18th Century Earthquakes

Earthquakes from the 9th of April 1709 to 10th of February 1710 Lima

Following the reports of Father Fevillee 14 strong earthquakes hit Lima in a 10 month period. The strongest one in Lima on the 20th of December 1709 was introduced by an immense noise.

Earthquake 22nd of August 1715 Arequipa

Once again Arequipa was struck by a strong earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 7.5 causing great damage not only in the city, but even up to Ica and Cañete.

Earthquakes 6th of January 1725 Trujillo

A long earthquake with a magnitude of around 7.8 hit the Trujillo region. The city of Trujillo was badly damaged. In the Cordillera Blanca an avalanche buried a village near Yungay, killing an estimated 1500 citizens. It is reported that the earthquake claimed around 4000 lives.

Earthquakes 9th, 19th and 27th of May 1742 Lima

Very strong earthquakes shake Lima.

Earthquake 28th of October 1746 Lima

At 10.30 pm a massive earthquake, the largest to strike central Peru in recorded history, ravaged Lima, by now a bustling city with 50,000 citizens. This magnitude 8.6 quake completely destroyed Lima and everything else along the central Peruvian coast. According to reports half an hour after the quake, a large tsunami struck the shore causing great damage at all Peruvian ports. Callao was hit worst, with a 24 meter run-up and 5 kilometer inundation that completely destroyed the town and everything in its way.

The earthquake tsunami combination demolished churches, major buildings and residences, damaged food and water supplies, suspended normal social codes, throwing people of different social classes together resulting in widespread chaos. From the 4000 citizens of Callao only 200 survived. The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami is estimated at about 5000. Within 24 hours after this destructive earthquake the Lima and Callao region had additional to cope with over 200 aftershocks.

Earthquake 26th of January 1777 Lima

At around 03.00 am a violent earthquake shakes Lima. Frightened citizens fled their houses. No damages were reported.

Earthquake 13h of May 1784 Arequipa

A 8.4 earthquake struck Arequipa wrecking the city and everything in an radius of 100 km once again. 54 people are killed, numerous injured.

Earthquakes 4th of July 1791, 7th of September 1794 and 21st of January 1799 Lima

Strong earthquakes rattle Lima.
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