DEVASTATION IN THE WEST OF CYPRUS
ONE OF THE STRONGEST EARTHQUAKES EVER KNOWN IN CYPRUS
On the morning of September 10th, 1953 at around 6:00am, the district of Paphos suffered one of the strongest earthquakes ever known in Cyprus and within a short time; houses in the area began to collapse like playing cards. With debris lying everywhere, the callous picture of destruction was etched in the minds of the people of Paphos forever and the survivors were left clamouring in vain, agonisingly searching through the ruins for people who were missing. The final report concluded that 40 souls were lost and over 100 civilians were injured. A further 4000 people became homeless that fateful day with British officials later describing the event as a disaster of biblical proportions
5 VILLAGES LAY IN RUINS
Although the earthquake affected the whole Cyprus, it was the the west of the island that bore the brunt of the natural disaster. a total of 158 villages and towns were effected by the shockwaves. Extensive damage was also caused by several landslides and superficial cracks that were made worse by subsequent aftershocks and the villages of Stroumbi, Kidasi, Lapithi, Axylou, and Fasoula in the district of Limassol lay in ruins in the aftermath. The earthquake was so intense that it was felt in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Kastelorizo, Rhodes and Turkey.
THE BRITISH OVERSEAS COLONY REBUILDS
Although the insecurity left behind by the devastating earthquake was intense amongst the local population, it was clear that life in Paphos had to continue. The British authorities soon set-up humanatarian aid in the form of temporary camps with medical centres and schools for all displaced people. They ordered an immediate clear up mission and supplied all necessary tools for local Cypriot volunteers that worked tirelessly side by side with their British compatriots. After the clear-up mission was complete, a new program of rebuilding was implemented and again the Cypriots, united in grief, were at the forefront of all works. The British commander at the time expressed his admiration for the absolute heroism and the bravery of the people of what he described as the lenient province of Paphos. With this in mind, its fair to say that all communities on the island were united by the tragedy, openly aiding each other in this desperate time of need, so its a little wonder how these communities would find themselves tested once again and on opposing sides in a civil war that would begin less than two years later when Cyprus would embark on its struggle for independance.
