Human consequences
Much of the capital is destroyed, including the royal palace and its library.
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EarthquakeLisbon earthquake and tsunami
40,000Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- Estimates of 30,000 to 50,000 deaths in Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
On the morning of All Saints’ Day, an earthquake of estimated magnitude 8.5 to 9 strikes Lisbon while the churches are full. A tsunami floods the port and fires rage through the city for five days.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
The tsunami hits the coasts of Morocco and Spain and is observed as far away as the Caribbean.
Economic consequences
The capital of a colonial empire loses a major share of its wealth and archives.
Political consequences
The Marquis of Pombal launches a rational, earthquake-resistant reconstruction (the Baixa). Voltaire and Rousseau debate Providence; modern seismology is born from this disaster.
Tsunami waves
- Cádiz
- Moroccan coast
- Cornwall
- Caribbean, a few hours later
Further reading
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