Many Houses on Fayal in Ruins—Cable Line Junction Is Injured.
LISBON, Portugal. August 31.—A violent earthquake which shook the Island of Fayal in the Azores today reduced part of the town of Horta to ruins. There were some deaths, dispatches say, and many were injured. Details are lacking.
Fayal is the westernmost island of the central group of the Azores. It is of volcanic origin, and, like the other members of the group, has been visited by earthquakes from time to time. The population of the island is about 25,000, mostly of Portuguese blood.
U.S. Consul Reports Damage.
The severest earthquake in the history of the islands shook the Azores today, American Consul Horace Remillard reported to the State Department from Horta. All Americans, he said, were believed to be safe.
“Houses are down,” Consul Remillard said, “and all houses have suffered. Impossible as yet to estimate the loss of property and life.”
Residents were preparing to live out of doors, he said. The State Department is endeavoring to obtain additional details through the consul.
Cable Office Wrecked.
LONDON, August 31,—Private advices from Horta, on the Island of Fayal, report a heavy earthquake In the Azores. First reports said much damage had been done.
A cable operator in the Fayal relay office notified the company’s London headquarters that his battery room was destroyed and expressed the opinion that if there was another shock the whole building would collapse.
The Evening Star, Washington, DC, August 31, 1926
