856day.year
Damghan earthquake: An earthquake near the Persian city of Damghan kills an estimated 200,000 people, the sixth deadliest earthquake in recorded history.
A devastating earthquake strikes near Damghan in 856, claiming around 200,000 lives and ranking among history’s deadliest tremors.
On December 22, 856, a catastrophic earthquake devastated the region around the city of Damghan in present-day Iran.
Modern estimates place the death toll at approximately 200,000, making it the sixth deadliest seismic event on record.
The quake destroyed cities, villages, and critical irrigation systems that sustained local agriculture.
Slow governmental response and difficult terrain hampered rescue and relief efforts, exacerbating human suffering.
Contemporary chroniclers described the earth opening and swallowing entire communities.
The disaster prompted early discussions on urban planning and construction methods to mitigate earthquake damage.
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Damghan earthquake
Damghan