No 1068 Monday 24th - Sunday 30th March 2025
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The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper - WITH THE LARGEST LOCAL CIRCULATION
SUNDAY 30 MARCH
he Torrevieja Earthquake of March 21, 1829, stands as one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit southeastern Spain.
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The quake wreaked havoc across the Vega Baja del Segura region, with Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura suffering the most significant destruction. Although seismic instruments did not exist at the time, modern estimates place the earthquake's magnitude at approximately 6.6 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter believed to be near Torrevieja, close to Guardamar. The earthquake flattened buildings, homes, and churches, leaving around 400 people dead and thousands injured. Vast portions of the Vega Baja were reduced to rubble, prompting massive rebuilding efforts. In the aftermath, Torrevieja was reconstructed with wider streets and sturdier buildings, designed to better withstand future earthquakes.
S I M U L AT I N G D I S A S T E R : 9 0 0 S T U D E N T S E VA C U AT E D I N E A R T H Q U A K E D R I L L
The disaster highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the region, which sits on the Betic Cordillera fault system, and it remains one of the most powerful quakes ever documented on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, it is etched into local memory, with monuments and historical records honouring both the victims and the resilience of the community. The tragedy also led to a legal requirement that municipalities in seismic risk zones must develop their own Municipal Seismic Risk Action Plans. Although Torrevieja’s effort is still awaiting approval from the Valencian Regional Government, the town has not delayed preparations. Last Friday, March 21, 2025, to mark the earthquake’s anniversary, Las Lagunas Secondary School hosted a large-scale earthquake emergency drill, the third of its kind organized by the local council. The simulation, overseen by Fire Chief Tomas Gallardo, mimicked the aftermath of a magnitude 5 earthquake, including a partial building collapse and 115 people trapped. Alongside emergency responders, students participated actively in rescue and aid operations, learning vital skills through hands-on involvement. The drill also simulated the loss of drinking water supply, two hypothetical fatalities, and the evacuation of all 900 students.
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