The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake

Abstract

A major earthquake shook Lisbon in the morning of November 1, 1755. Two hundred and sixty years ago, a powerful earthquake ruined most of the city centre, killed a significant number of its residents. After the earthquake tsunami and fire destroyed the city, and robbers, plunderers, killers terrorized the survivors. Eyewitnesess accounts of the incident are available. In the city's redevelopment Marquis of Pombal played a major role. It was the first modern-day humanitarian aid action; Europe's major powers sent material and financial assistance to the Portuguese. In order to prevent the panic and rumors they controlled the mass media and communication, credible and accurate news reports were issued.The Lisbon earthquake was the first scientifically studied disaster that led to the birth of modern seismology and earthquake engineering. The article describes the earthquake, its effects and consequences, in particular on Lisbon, as well as coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, the magnitude of the damage and the lessons learned from this complex natural disaster.