On This Day in 1995, a Devastating Earthquake Struck Sakhalin
On May 28, 1995, the most destructive known earthquake within Russia's modern borders struck the island of Sakhalin.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the oil-producing town of Neftegorsk, flattening buildings, devastating critical infrastructure and killing 1,989 of the town's 3,977 residents. Another 750 people were injured. The town was abandoned due to the scale of the destruction.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the earthquake, residents of the nearby city of Okha laid flowers and lit candles at the memorial to its victims.
Here is a collection of photos from the aftermath of the natural disaster:
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the oil-producing town of Neftegorsk, flattening buildings, devastating critical infrastructure and killing 1,989 of the town's 3,977 residents. Another 750 people were injured. The town was abandoned due to the scale of the destruction.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the earthquake, residents of the nearby city of Okha laid flowers and lit candles at the memorial to its victims.
Here is a collection of photos from the aftermath of the natural disaster:
A survivor of the Neftegorsk earthquake.
Roman Denisov / TASS
A military helicopter is seen near collapsed buildings.
Mchs.gov.ru
Rescue workers recover survivors from the rubble.
Mchs.gov.ru
An aerial view of the town of Neftegorsk following the 1995 earthquake.
Mchs.gov.ru
Rescuers searching the rubble.
Mchs.gov.ru
An aerial view of the town of Neftegorsk following the 1995 earthquake.
Mchs.gov.ru
Unidentified victims of the tragedy placed in wooden coffins.
Gennady Khamelyanin / TASS
An aerial view of the town of Neftegorsk following the 1995 earthquake.
Mchs.gov.ru
Cranes pick through the rubble.
Mchs.gov.ru
A survivor holds his head in his hands next to a helicopter.
Mchs.gov.ru
In the city of Okha, locals laid flowers and lit candles at the memorial to the victims of the Neftegorsk earthquake.
Okha65
