In 1929 a tsunami hit the Burin Peninsula causing serious damage and grief. 28 people lost their lives and many were left homeless and communities were destroyed. Waves up rushing towards the coast at 140/km per hour and slowing down to 40/km per hour before crashing into the island. To this day, it’s the most destructive earthquake to hit the province—measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale.
There were small warnings for folks that day, with small ripples hitting the land for up to five minutes. However, the province had never experienced an earthquake, so no one took heed. Residents noticed a massive drop in sea level, knocking boats over. Three waves crashed into southern Newfoundland taking houses in its path. Wharfs and boats were also destroyed, which were essential to people’s livelihood.
Once the waves subsided, search parties were made to find lost survivors. Following the disaster, many people lost their homes and relied on their families and neighbours to take them in. The people of the Burin Peninsula had no means of communication and couldn’t receive medical support or supplies. The communities had to work together to share food and resources in order to survive.
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