SANTIAGO SHAKEN

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1932, Page 11

SANTIAGO SHAKEN

EARTHQUAKE IN CUBA

PEOPLE TOSSED FROM BEDS

DEATHS AND DAMAGE

United Press Association—By Electric Tele-

graph-^Copyright.

(Received 4th February, 8 a.m.)

SANTIAGO (Cuba), 3rd February.

The city of Santiago suffered two severe earthquake shocks early on Wednesday morning, and considerable damage was done.

The first 'shock came on Tuesday afternoon, and the second , and most severe shock at 1.15 o'clock on Wednesday morning when the population of 70,000 were asleep. The people were tossed from their-beds/and there was a general exodus to the parks and open country for safety. -Parts of the city were plunged into darkness, adding to the confusion and terror.' The cri«s of the injured were heard on all sides. .

Emergency ambulances- wove their way thiongh the debris which covered the streets. ■ ■-: -■■■'■ ■ ; . . .

Several bodies are reported to have been found huddled on the lower floor of one large building. Apparently the victims ■ were crushed to death by falling masonry after rushing to the ground floor, hoping to' find safety there. .• ■--■■'"■■ ■'-" ■",-'. : ;-ii .■,■•■•,*

Early reports reaching Hayana: and published in «'EI Mundo'' ■ said that Santiago had been laid in ruins by an earthquake, with a toll of 2000 lives, but this estimate was largely discounted by later information.' ' A dispatch from the yacht Corinth said that an earthquake was observed on the mainland. Heavy damage'was indicated, but the loss of life could not then be ascertained.

The early estimates of the casualties were found high with the,issuance; of an official announcement that six were dead and thirty injured. The property damage is extensive, few buildings escaping. The walls of the gaol fell in, but most of the inmates escaped. Apparently the greatest damage' was in the,.business section. Frightened people packed food to last they went into ,the open country. It is believed that conditions will be normal in a few days. The Mayor ordered the gas and electricity service, to ..be cut off to avoid fires.