March 20, 1731 Earthquake: Foggia, Italy

An extremely strong earthquake took place in the region of Apulia and in Naples. The first strongest shocks in Foggia reduced to ruins most of both public and private houses; about 500 people were killed. About 50 strong shocks occurred till April 17; the water splashed out of the wells. Strong shocks were noted in Barletta, Cerignola, Canosa (di Puglia), Melfi, S. Severo, Andria, Bari; altogether about 3,600 people were killed (reference #2130).

1731 Mar 20, 41.27 N 15.75 E. Definite tsunami. On 20 March 1731, one of the strongest earthquakes (IX MCS) ever occurred in the area of Foggia (CPTI 2004). The epicentre was located inland, near Foggia, about 30 km from the coast. According to Cirillo (1731), tsunami effects were observed at Siponto and Barletta, where a sudden sea rise nearly caused shipwrecking of some boats. Cirillo mentions this phenomenon to have occurred on 9 March rather than on 20 March, which should be taken as a material mistake in the quotation of the date. The probable tsunami is mentioned by Mallet (1853) [ref #521], reporting the same description as found in Cirillo’s paper (Fig. 5).(reference #9531)

1731 Mar 20, 4 a.m., At Naples and in La Puglia. Very violent. First there was a trembling, then a pulsation, and finally a rocking motion like that of a ship, lasting altogether three min. and some secs. At Siponto and Barletta the fishermen perceived a sudden rising of the sea which nearly wrecked their boats, although there was no wind. (reference #521)