A magnitude 5.6 earthquake off Sicily killed 19 people, injured 200, and left 2,500 homeless in December 1990.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 5.6 Mw
- Deaths
- 19
- Injuries
- At least 200
- Displaced persons
- 2,500 homeless
- Duration
- 45 seconds
- Max Mercalli intensity
- VII–VIII (Very strong–Severe)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Seismic activity in the tectonically active waters off the eastern coast of Sicily produced a moderately sized earthquake 20 km east-northeast of Augusta. The region sits along fault systems associated with the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to seismic events.
On 13 December 1990 at 01:24 local time, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck off the Sicilian coast. Lasting 45 seconds, it reached a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VII–VIII and was followed by four perceptible aftershocks. The event caused widespread structural damage across the surrounding region.
The earthquake killed 19 people and caused at least 200 injuries. Significant structural damage across the affected area left approximately 2,500 residents homeless. Emergency responses were required to shelter displaced populations and assess the extent of destruction in the communities near Augusta and Carlentini.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 19 (earthquake)