VAN — 1976 · Major Tragedy
1976 Çaldıran–Muradiye Earthquake
At 14:22 on 24 November 1976, an earthquake of magnitude 7.3 to 7.5 struck the Çaldıran and Muradiye districts of Van. According to Kandilli Observatory records, 3,840 people died, 497 were injured and 9,232 homes were destroyed. Around 95 percent of the houses in Çaldıran were rendered unusable. Because the earthquake came at the start of winter, survivors were left in the open with night temperatures falling to minus 17 degrees Celsius, and the cold greatly hampered rescue and shelter efforts. Aid reached the area late because of snow-covered mountain roads. The quake is recorded as one of Turkey's largest earthquakes of the 20th century. The Çaldıran district governorate publishes commemorative messages on each anniversary.
- Date
- 1976
- Place
- Çaldıran, Van
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 39.1400, 43.9100 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 24 November 1976A magnitude 7.3–7.5 earthquake strikes at 14:22
- 25 November 1976Rescue continues in temperatures down to −17 °C
- December 1976The toll is recorded as 3,840 dead and 9,232 homes destroyed
- Every 24 NovemberThe victims are commemorated in Çaldıran
Sources
- Wikipedia — 1976 Çaldıran–Muradiye earthquake en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Çaldıran Kaymakamlığı — 24 Kasım 1976 Çaldıran depremi mesajı caldiran.gov.tr ↗
- Anadolu Ajansı — Türkiye'nin 510 yıllık deprem tarihi aa.com.tr ↗
- Wikipedia (EN)
- Çaldıran District Governorate
- Anadolu Agency
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.