Exactly 59 years ago, on the 9th
of July, the great earthquake of 1956 took place in Santorini.
The earthquake, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, was the largest
earthquake of the 20th century throughout Europe. It resulted in several
injuries and victims, but also created one of the largest tidal waves in the
Aegean, reaching 25m in height in the islands of Amorgos, Folegandros and
Astypalea!
As a result, a lot of damages and demolitions were caused in the villages
of the caldera (Oia, Fira, Imerovigli) and complete destruction of the
"Old Village" (Mesa Gonia). The terrifying earthquake happened in the
morning when the farmers of Santorini were out in the fields, so a larger
number of victims was prevented.
