The Tribune

By RICARDO EVANGELISTA

LARGE earthquakes have been a persistent threat to human civilisations throughout history, causing destruction and altering the course of entire societies. The impact of these quakes extends far beyond the immediate physical damage, affecting social and economic systems in ways that can last for years or even decades. In this article, we will examine the social and economic impact of several significant earthquakes that have occurred throughout history and consider why earth tremors remain a major concern today.

One of the earliest recorded quakes occurred in 365 AD in Crete. It caused massive damage and was reported to have had far-reaching effects on trade and commerce in the region. The destruction inflicted upon the cities and towns of the island, along with disruptions to agriculture, led to famine and poverty for many years following the disaster.

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake in Portugal was another significant event that had a profound impact on European history. The tremor, which measured an estimated 8.7 on the Richter scale, caused extensive damage and death, with the city of Lisbon, a major centre of trade and commerce, being especially hard-hit. The aftermath of the earthquake was a pivotal moment in Portuguese and European history, as the destruction of Lisbon had a profound effect on Portugal’s economy and its colonies, contributing to a decline in the country’s power and influence in the world.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake in the US was another event that had a lasting impact on the country and the world. The earthquake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, caused extensive destruction in the city and disrupted trade, commerce and agriculture. The aftermath of the catastrophe led to a wave of immigration from the affected area to other parts of the country, impacting the demographics and economy of the US.

The Great Kanto earthquake of 1923 in Japan was one of the most devastating tremors of the 20th century, with a magnitude of 7.9 and an estimated death toll of over 140,000. The earthquake caused extensive destruction in Tokyo and the surrounding area, and was a turning point in Japanese history, contributing to the country’s transformation from a feudal society to a modern industrialised nation.

The 1960 Great Chilean earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale, was one of the largest in recorded history. It caused great devastation in Chile and had a significant effect on the country’s economy, with the aftermath leading to a shift from an agrarian-based economy to a more modern and industrialised one. The event also had an impact on the global economy, as Chile was a major supplier of copper and other minerals.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan was another example of the devastating power that quakes can have on modern societies. It had a magnitude of 9.0, causing widespread damage and loss of life, with the tsunami leading to additional destruction along the coast, including at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, where radioactive material was released. The incident forced a rethinking of energy strategies for several countries. Germany, for example, decided to abandon its nuclear programme, becoming more dependent on Russian gas - a development that continues to affect the global geo-political balance.

The social, political and economic impact of large earthquakes throughout history has been significant. These disasters have disrupted trade, commerce and agriculture, provoking famine and poverty, but also creating opportunities for innovation and development that alter the course of entire civilisations. And even today, as tragically demonstrated by last week’s tremor in Turkey and Syria, earthquakes remain a major concern for modern societies, and it is important for governments and organisations to be prepared for their potential impact.