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N0KFQ > TODAY 21.07.13 19:18l 42 Lines 1717 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 1894_KB0WSA
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Jul 21
Path: IZ3LSV<IK6ZDE<IW0QNL<JH4XSY<JE7YGF<JS1FVG<JH9YMQ<VE3UIL<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 130721/1556Z 1894@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.56
Jul 21, 365:
Tsunami hits Alexandria, Egypt
On this day in the year 365, a powerful earthquake off the coast
of Greece causes a tsunami that devastates the city of
Alexandria, Egypt. Although there were no measuring tools at the
time, scientists now estimate that the quake was actually two
tremors in succession, the largest of which is thought to have
had a magnitude of 8.0.
The quake was centered near the plate boundary called the
Hellenic Arc and quickly sent a wall of water across the
Mediterranean Sea toward the Egyptian coast. Ships in the harbor
at Alexandria were overturned as the water near the coast receded
suddenly. Reports indicate that many people rushed out to loot
the hapless ships. The tsunami wave then rushed in and carried
the ships over the sea walls, landing many on top of buildings.
In Alexandria, approximately 5,000 people lost their lives and
50,000 homes were destoyed.
The surrounding villages and towns suffered even greater
destruction. Many were virtually wiped off the map. Outside the
city, 45,000 people were killed. In addition, the inundation of
saltwater rendered farmland useless for years to come. Evidence
indicates that the area's shoreline was permanently changed by
the disaster. Slowly, but steadily, the buildings of Alexandria's
Royal Quarter were overtaken by the sea following the tsunami. It
was not until 1995 that archaeologists discovered the ruins of
the old city off the coast of present-day Alexandria.
Today, the anniversary of the tsunami is celebrated annually with
the residents saying prayers and marking the evening by
illuminating the city.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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