The Anniversary of the Banja Luka Earthquake.

These days October, is mild and here in the Western Balkans.

As I look out of the window there are partly cloudy skies, wonderful sun and mild temperatures.

Quite dreamy in a way.

THE ABOVE IMAGES ARE NOT COPYRIGHTED TO ME

Banja Luka 27 October 1969

During the early morning of October 27th 1969, a devastating earthquake (magnitude of 6.4) hit Banja Luka, damaging the city and surrounding areas.

This severe earthquake killed 20, seriously injured 150, and left 65,000 homeless.

Banja Luka, back then was considerably smaller than now, with some 50,000 inhabitants.

60 percent of the dwellings were razed. Three neighbouring towns were destroyed. Among the major buildings razed by the shock were the city hall, cultural centre, 15 schools, and 5 dormitories.

To add to the chaos a textile factory damaged during the earthquake began leaking sulphuric acid and other chemicals, contaminating the river and water supply.

In the entire area of destruction, a total of 86 thousand apartments, 266 schools and 592 cultural, health, social and business facilities, were partially damaged or completely destroyed.

It took quite sometime for Banja Luka to repair and rebuild.

From those 86,000 apartments that were destroyed, accommodation had to be found.

Temporary barrack type housing was built not too far from the city centre. It still exists albeit with considerable modifications.

We still get some quite large earth tremors.

Hopefully nature wont re-visit Banja Luka with such destruction again.

If you have relatives who remember what that day was like, maybe you’d like to comment below OR send me a mail at: anenglishmaninthebalkans@gmail.com

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