ERZINCAN — 1992 · Major Tragedy
1992 Erzincan Earthquake
At 20:18 local time on the evening of 13 March 1992, a magnitude 6.6 to 6.7 earthquake struck Erzincan. Occurring during Ramadan, shortly after the evening fast-breaking meal, the shock brought down many buildings in the city centre. According to Kandilli Observatory records, 653 people died and 8,057 buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged; other sources give a death toll ranging from 498 to 950. Two days later, on 15 March, a strong magnitude 5.8 aftershock struck the Pülümür district of Tunceli. Domestic and international teams took part in rescue operations carried out in winter conditions. The earthquake is recorded as the second time in half a century, after the great disaster of 1939, that the city was devastated by the North Anatolian Fault.
- Date
- 1992
- Place
- Central, Erzincan
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 39.7100, 39.6300 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 13 March 1992A magnitude 6.6–6.7 earthquake strikes at 20:18
- 14 March 1992Rubble clearing and rescue continue in the city centre
- 15 March 1992A magnitude 5.8 aftershock hits Pülümür
- 1992Kandilli records list 653 dead and 8,057 damaged buildings
Sources
- Wikipedia — 1992 Erzincan earthquake en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Kandilli Rasathanesi — Türkiye'de hasar yapan büyük depremler koeri.boun.edu.tr ↗
- Wikipedia (EN)
- Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute
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.