The 1928 Corinth Earthquake
The 1928 Corinth Earthquake: A Historic Disaster and a Turning Point in Greece’s Seismic Policy
The 1928 Corinth earthquake is one of the most significant natural phenomena of the 20th century in Greece, as it combined a devastating tremor with long-term consequences on urban planning, architecture, and the political management of natural disasters. It occurred on Sunday, April 22, 1928, at 22:14, in the region of Corinthia, at the northeastern tip of the Peloponnese, and had a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale. Despite its moderate size, it caused massive destruction, due both to the geological features of the area and the poor construction quality of the buildings at the time.
Geological Features and Seismic Evolution
The earthquake was tectonic in nature, and the activation of faults was linked to the geodynamic behavior of the Gulf of Corinth. The first seismic precursor occurred at 06:19 that same day in the Gulf of Patras, indicating increased seismic potential in the wider area. At 21:00, a strong tremor was recorded in Corinth, accompanied by 18 weaker aftershocks. At 22:00, a second strong tremor followed, then six more minor quakes, before the main earthquake struck at 22:14. It was shallow, with a depth of just 5 km.
Its maximum intensity reached IX–X on the Mercalli scale, categorizing it as destructive. It was felt throughout the Peloponnese, much of Euboea and Central Greece, as well as the Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, Preveza, Volos, and Crete. The epicenter was estimated near the Corinth Canal, within the triangle of Corinth–Kalamaki–Loutraki, only 70 km west of Athens.
On the night of April 22, 1928, the powerful tectonic earthquake destroyed the city of Corinth, nearby Loutraki, and many villages and settlements in the surrounding area.
Seismic History of the Region
The Corinth region is known for its high seismic activity since antiquity. Historical and archaeological studies record destructive earthquakes as early as the first centuries AD, with notable examples in the years 77, 524, 543, 551, 580, 1402, 1858, 1861, 1870, 1928, and 1981. Of particular note is the 1858 earthquake, which completely destroyed the old settlement of Corinth, then located at present-day Ancient Corinth. As a result, the city was relocated to its current position by government decision.
Unfortunately, the new site, although chosen for functional and commercial reasons, proved geologically unsuitable, built on unstable ground of sand and sandstone rather than solid rock. Additionally, the basic principles of earthquake-resistant construction were not followed, despite existing knowledge abroad, increasing the risk of collapse in the event of future tremors.
Impact and Human Loss
Thanks to a series of warning foreshocks, many residents had left their homes before the main earthquake. This proved lifesaving, as the number of fatalities was limited to 20, with around 30 injured. Nevertheless, the material destruction was almost total: of the approximately 2,000 buildings in Corinth, most collapsed or suffered severe damage. Loutraki saw similar destruction, with many buildings rendered uninhabitable. Many surrounding villages and settlements were also affected.
These damages were deemed disproportionate to the earthquake’s magnitude, attributed to its shallow depth, the unsuitable geological substrate, and mainly the poor quality of building materials. Many houses were built using rounded sea pebbles and low-quality mortar, with no reinforcement or basic seismic protection measures.
Humanitarian Aid and Mobilization
The scale of the disaster shocked public opinion in Greece and evoked international sympathy. Numerous national fundraising campaigns were organized, and a British warship along with two Italian naval vessels arrived in the area to provide food, medicine, and assist in demolishing dangerous structures.
The then Metropolitan of Corinth, Damaskinos (later Archbishop of Athens), undertook significant humanitarian initiatives, culminating in his trip to the United States in October 1928. There, he appealed to the Greek diaspora for financial support. His appeal received a strong response and played a crucial role in the reconstruction effort.
Reconstruction and New Seismic Policy
The scale of the destruction led to a systematic reassessment of Greece’s seismic policy. A strong debate arose over whether the city should be rebuilt in the same location or relocated. Some scientists, such as Professors A. Ziemerck and Zeidlitz, proposed moving the city southward to an area with more stable Pliocene rock. Others, including renowned scientists D. Aeginitis, K. Ktenas, Th. Skoufos, and the Japanese geologist H. Takanaka, supported maintaining the current location, provided modern seismic construction techniques were applied.
Ultimately, the latter view prevailed. For the organized reconstruction of Corinth and Loutraki, the Autonomous Organization for Earthquake Victims of Corinth (AOSK) was established, led by Metropolitan Damaskinos. AOSK was responsible for granting loans, financially supporting earthquake victims, and especially overseeing the construction of new buildings in accordance with Greece’s first anti-seismic regulations.
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