Striking southern Italy on 8 September, the 1905 Calabria earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.2 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). The first major earthquake of the 20th century, it severely damaged parts of Lipari, Messina Province and a large area between Cosenza and Nicotera and killed between 557 and 2,500 people.
The 1905 Calabria Earthquake: A Catastrophic Event in Southern Italy
On September 8, 1905, southern Italy was struck by the Calabria earthquake, registering a moment magnitude of 7.2 and reaching a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). This was the first major earthquake of the 20th century, inflicting severe damage on parts of Lipari, the Messina Province, and extensive areas between Cosenza and Nicotera, resulting in a tragic death toll estimated between 557 and 2,500 lives.
Tectonic Setting
The Calabria region is situated between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, where active extension occurs due to slab rollback of Tethyan oceanic crust from the African plate, as it subducts beneath the Eurasian plate. The rollback initiated the formation of the Tyrrhenian Sea back-arc basin, starting from the Miocene era and continuing into the Pleistocene. The extensional tectonics have migrated eastward, impacting zones previously affected by thrusting. Normal faults characterize extension on the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria, many of which border basins rich in Pliocene to Pleistocene sedimentary sequences.
Known as the Siculo-Calabrian rift, this active geological feature has a history of significant seismic activity, with earthquakes reaching magnitudes of up to 7.1. Major earthquakes associated with this zone include events in 1638, 1659, 1693, multiple quakes in 1783, and others in 1905 and 1908.
Earthquake Overview
The earthquake was felt across a vast area, including Basilicata, Irpinia, Salerno, and Catania, and was perceptible as far away as western Albania, Isernia, and Palermo. The maximum intensity on the MCS scale reached X (Ruinous).
Two minor foreshocks occurred before the main event: the first at 23:00 on September 7 and the second at 0:40 on September 8. The mainshock happened at 01:43 UTC, followed closely by two aftershocks. Estimates of the earthquake’s magnitude vary, ranging from 6.7 Me (based on intensity observations) to 7.41±0.29 Mw (instrumental observations). The ISC GEM catalogue records it as 7.2 Mw, while other estimates suggest values around 6.9 Mw to 7.10±0.26 Mw.
In the three months following the earthquake, over 100 aftershocks were recorded, escalating to 219 by the end of 1905, with further activity in the subsequent years.
Tsunami Effects
The earthquake also triggered a small tsunami affecting the shores of the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, with notable inundation observed at various locations, including Bivona, Briatico, and Scalea. A significant effect was the disruption of the submarine telegraph cable connecting the Aeolian Islands to Milazzo, attributed to a turbidity current from slope failure.
Damage Assessment
The areas of Catanzaro (including present-day Vibo Valentia), Cosenza, and Reggio Calabria experienced the most destruction. Approximately 14,000 houses suffered damage, with around 8,220 houses completely destroyed. Many buildings in the epicentral zone were poorly constructed and unable to withstand the seismic forces.
Mario Baratta noted that the extent of damage was closely related to the underlying geology of the buildings, highlighting that those constructed on less stable materials fared poorly compared to those on more resilient foundations.
Aftermath and Recovery
Immediate relief efforts were organized by local authorities, with military and medical aid deployed to assist the affected populations. Temporary accommodations were established, although many families remained displaced and faced poor living conditions, lacking adequate shelter from the elements.
In June, a new state law was enacted to provide assistance to the earthquake-stricken areas, including tax relief. Some communities were relocated to safer sites, and rebuilding efforts were made in areas heavily impacted by landslides.
Conclusion
The 1905 Calabria earthquake serves as a significant reminder of the seismic risks faced by regions along tectonic boundaries. Its catastrophic effects on the population, infrastructure, and environment highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
See Also
- List of earthquakes in 1905
- List of earthquakes in Italy
References
External links for further research and data:
The 1905 Calabria Earthquake: A Catastrophic Event in Southern Italy
On September 8, 1905, southern Italy was struck by the Calabria earthquake, registering a moment magnitude of 7.2 and reaching a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). This was the first major earthquake of the 20th century, inflicting severe damage on parts of Lipari, the Messina Province, and extensive areas between Cosenza and Nicotera, resulting in a tragic death toll estimated between 557 and 2,500 lives.
Tectonic Setting
The Calabria region is situated between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, where active extension occurs due to slab rollback of Tethyan oceanic crust from the African plate, as it subducts beneath the Eurasian plate. The rollback initiated the formation of the Tyrrhenian Sea back-arc basin, starting from the Miocene era and continuing into the Pleistocene. The extensional tectonics have migrated eastward, impacting zones previously affected by thrusting. Normal faults characterize extension on the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria, many of which border basins rich in Pliocene to Pleistocene sedimentary sequences.
Known as the Siculo-Calabrian rift, this active geological feature has a history of significant seismic activity, with earthquakes reaching magnitudes of up to 7.1. Major earthquakes associated with this zone include events in 1638, 1659, 1693, multiple quakes in 1783, and others in 1905 and 1908.
Earthquake Overview
The earthquake was felt across a vast area, including Basilicata, Irpinia, Salerno, and Catania, and was perceptible as far away as western Albania, Isernia, and Palermo. The maximum intensity on the MCS scale reached X (Ruinous).
Two minor foreshocks occurred before the main event: the first at 23:00 on September 7 and the second at 0:40 on September 8. The mainshock happened at 01:43 UTC, followed closely by two aftershocks. Estimates of the earthquake’s magnitude vary, ranging from 6.7 Me (based on intensity observations) to 7.41±0.29 Mw (instrumental observations). The ISC GEM catalogue records it as 7.2 Mw, while other estimates suggest values around 6.9 Mw to 7.10±0.26 Mw.
In the three months following the earthquake, over 100 aftershocks were recorded, escalating to 219 by the end of 1905, with further activity in the subsequent years.
Tsunami Effects
The earthquake also triggered a small tsunami affecting the shores of the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, with notable inundation observed at various locations, including Bivona, Briatico, and Scalea. A significant effect was the disruption of the submarine telegraph cable connecting the Aeolian Islands to Milazzo, attributed to a turbidity current from slope failure.
Damage Assessment
The areas of Catanzaro (including present-day Vibo Valentia), Cosenza, and Reggio Calabria experienced the most destruction. Approximately 14,000 houses suffered damage, with around 8,220 houses completely destroyed. Many buildings in the epicentral zone were poorly constructed and unable to withstand the seismic forces.
Mario Baratta noted that the extent of damage was closely related to the underlying geology of the buildings, highlighting that those constructed on less stable materials fared poorly compared to those on more resilient foundations.
Aftermath and Recovery
Immediate relief efforts were organized by local authorities, with military and medical aid deployed to assist the affected populations. Temporary accommodations were established, although many families remained displaced and faced poor living conditions, lacking adequate shelter from the elements.
In June, a new state law was enacted to provide assistance to the earthquake-stricken areas, including tax relief. Some communities were relocated to safer sites, and rebuilding efforts were made in areas heavily impacted by landslides.
Conclusion
The 1905 Calabria earthquake serves as a significant reminder of the seismic risks faced by regions along tectonic boundaries. Its catastrophic effects on the population, infrastructure, and environment highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
See Also
- List of earthquakes in 1905
- List of earthquakes in Italy
References
External links for further research and data:
