An earthquake measuring an estimated 7.5 on the Richter Scale, strikes the Straits of Messina in the south of Italy, at dawn.

The cities of Messina, in Sicily, and Reggio di Calabria, on the Italian mainland, were devastated. 90% of the buildings were flattened.

The earthquake, and the accompanying 40ft high tsunami, killed approximately 100,000 people.

The initial quake was followed by repeated, smaller quakes, which hampered the relief effort, and even killed rescue workers.