July 23, 1909 Earthquake: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Reference #14060:

15 dead and many wounded is the result of a strong earthquake that we felt yesterday, the collapse of numerous houses, dead and wounded, the whole town plunged into complete consternation; at the moment when the formidable earthquake occurred, the terrified population rushed in flight in different directions, exclaiming in panic for many that it was the “Last Judgement”, according to the verbal report of the corregidor who was passing through Sipe Sipe and was the first to arrive in Quillacollo with a countenance discomposed by terror".

"It is known that half of the parish church has collapsed, in the section corresponding to the tabernacle a man who happened to be in the temple died. According to the same informant, the number of victims has reached 15 or more".

El Heraldo of Cochabamba confirms that in Sipe Sipe the earthquake caused 15 deaths and at least 50 houses fell as well as the temple; the tremor occurred at 12:1/4 midday and in Quillacollo it was felt as a strong tremor that caused the deterioration of some houses, but did not destroy them; the stagecoach that was coming from Oruro was surprised in the Caico strait, rain of stones from the neighbouring hills damaged the stagecoach and the mules. On Friday 30th July they say that the tremors continued until Wednesday.