Today in History – 26/27 December

Earthquake disaster in Erzincan

On December 27, 1939 at 2 AM in the morning, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale occurred in Erzincan and environs. Also affecting the cities Amasya, Tokat, Sivas, Kırşehir, Ankara, Çankırı, Kayseri, Samsun, and Ordu, the disaster killed 32,962 and wounded 100 thousand. 116,720 buildings collapsed during the earthquake that turned Erzincan into a pile of ruins.

Considered among the worst earthquake disasters in the world, the catastrophe was recorded in history as a tragic event after which Turkey faced great challenges in healing its wounds, considering the circumstances of the period. Prime Minister İnönü visited the disaster area on December 31st to lend support to the people.