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N0KFQ > TODAY 07.06.15 15:43l 51 Lines 2190 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 57925_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Jun 7
Path: IW8PGT<CX2SA<N0KFQ
Sent: 150607/1338Z 57925@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ1.4.63
1692
Earthquake destroys Jamaican pirate haven
On this day in 1692, a massive earthquake devastates the infamous
town of Port Royal in Jamaica, killing thousands. The strong
tremors, soil liquefaction and a tsunami brought on by the
earthquake combined to destroy the entire town.
Port Royal was built on a small island off the coast of Jamaica
in the harbor across from present-day Kingston. Many of the
buildings where the 6,500 residents lived and worked were
constructed right over the water. In the 17th century, Port Royal
was known throughout the New World as a headquarters for piracy,
smuggling and debauchery. It was described as "most wicked and
sinful city in the world" and "one of the lewdest in the
Christian world."
Earthquakes in the area were not uncommon, but were usually
rather small. In 1688, a tremor had toppled three homes. But four
years later, late in the morning on June 7, three powerful quakes
struck Jamaica. A large tsunami hit soon after, putting half of
Port Royal under 40 feet of water. The HMS Swan was carried from
the harbor and deposited on top of a building on the island. It
turned out to be a refuge for survivors.
Residents also soon discovered that the island of Port Royal was
not made of bedrock. The relatively loosely packed soil turned
almost to liquid during the quake. Many buildings literally sank
into the ground. In the aftermath, virtually every building in
the city was uninhabitable, including two forts. Corpses from the
cemetery floated in the harbor alongside recent victims of the
disaster.
On the main island, Spanish Town was also demolished. Even the
north side of the island experienced great tragedy. Fifty people
were killed in a landslide. In all, about 3,000 people lost their
lives on June 7. There was little respite in the
aftermath-widespread looting began that evening and thousands
more died in the following weeks due to sickness and injury.
Aftershocks discouraged the survivors from rebuilding Port Royal.
Instead, the city of Kingston was built and remains to this day
the largest city in Jamaica.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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