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The Anniversary of the Banja Luka Earthquake
These days October, is mild and here in the Western Balkans.
It wasn’t so in 1969.
In This Episode
In this episode I take a poignant look back at the 1969 earthquake that struck Banja Luka, leaving a lasting imprint on its people and landscape.
The 6.6 magnitude quake caused significant damage, including the destruction of the iconic Fehat Pasha Mosque, and led to around 20 deaths and thousands of injuries.
I share Tamara's mother, Hasna's personal account of surviving the quake when she was 18, capturing her vivid memories of the events before, during, and after the tremors.
From the eerie calm and chaos of the quake to the determined humanitarian and reconstruction efforts that followed, we explore how the community's resilient spirit helped reshape the city's architecture and social dynamics.
This episode ends with reflections on the lasting impact of the quake and encourages audience engagement.
The Aftershock
Budžak 44 years after the earthquake in Banja Luka
Driving through Budžak, a secluded area whose name means 'secluded corner' in old Turkish, we observe temporary buildings still standing from when 60,000 people lost their homes in the 1969 earthquake. Initially meant to be temporary, these structures have become permanent over 44 years, especially after refugees moved in following the 1990s conflict. Reflecting on the history, we note how a freezing autumn day of devastation led to long-term consequences for many.
Banja Luka 27 October 1969
During the early morning of October 27th 1969, a devastating earthquake (magnitude of 6.4) hit Banja Luka, damaging the city and surrounding areas.
This severe earthquake killed 20, seriously injured 150, and left 65,000 homeless.
Banja Luka, back then was considerably smaller than now, with some 50,000 inhabitants.
60 percent of the dwellings were razed. Three neighbouring towns were destroyed. Among the major buildings razed by the shock were the city hall, cultural centre, 15 schools, and 5 dormitories.
To add to the chaos a textile factory damaged during the earthquake began leaking sulphuric acid and other chemicals, contaminating the river and water supply.
In the entire area of destruction, a total of 86 thousand apartments, 266 schools and 592 cultural, health, social and business facilities, were partially damaged or completely destroyed.
It took quite sometime for Banja Luka to repair and rebuild.
From those 86,000 apartments that were destroyed, accommodation had to be found.
Temporary barrack type housing was built not too far from the city centre. It still exists albeit with considerable modifications.
We still get some quite large earth tremors.
Hopefully nature wont re-visit Banja Luka with such destruction again.
If you have relatives who remember what that day was like, maybe you’d like to comment below OR send me a message.
The Devastation
THE ABOVE IMAGES ARE NOT COPYRIGHTED TO ME
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And Finally
Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.
Oh, and please share the newsletter with friends, relatives and colleagues using the button below.
Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity!
Until our next post.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
As ever stay safe wherever you are.
Bests
David and Tamara.
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