**Devastating Great Lisbon Earthquake Strikes Portugal: November 1st, 1755** **November 2nd, 2023** On the morning of November 1st, 1755, at precisely 9:40 AM, a catastrophic earthquake rocked Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The Great Lisbon Earthquake, as it came to be known, left an unforgettable mark on the nation and the world. The earthquake's magnitude is estimated to have been between 8.5 and 9.0, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in history. Its epicenter was located in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Lisbon. The impact of the quake was devastating. Lisbon was virtually flattened, with over three-quarters of its buildings destroyed. The city's infrastructure crumbled, including hospitals, palaces, and cathedrals. Thousands of people were buried alive under the rubble, and an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 lives were lost. Beyond Lisbon, the earthquake's aftershocks were felt throughout Portugal and neighboring Spain. The tremors caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, triggering landslides and destroying roads and bridges. The Great Lisbon Earthquake had a profound impact on Portuguese history. It led to a period of mourning and reconstruction, but it also sparked a surge in scientific inquiry and the development of new earthquake engineering techniques. To this day, the Great Lisbon Earthquake serves as a reminder of the devastating power of nature and the importance of preparedness for future disasters.
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