1955 Alexandria earthquake

AI-assisted Knowledge Update: This article was automatically consolidated to provide you with the most up-to-date data instantly.

The 1955 Alexandria Earthquake

The 1955 Alexandria earthquake occurred on September 12 at 06:09 UTC, with its epicenter located east of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. This significant seismic event had a magnitude of Ms 6.3 and caused widespread damage in the surrounding region.

Damage was reported in the Nile Delta between Alexandria and Cairo, particularly around Lake Idku where approximately 300 adobe houses were badly damaged. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 89 others, with 40 houses collapsing completely and about 420 houses suffering partial damage. In addition to Egypt, the earthquake was also felt in Cyprus, Palestine, Syria, and Greece.

The impact of this earthquake extended beyond its immediate geographical area, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's geography and population centers. The severity of the disaster underscores the importance of seismic preparedness and emergency response measures in mitigating the effects of natural disasters like earthquakes.