26.07.1963 Thousands of people were feared dead after a massive earthquake rocked the Macedonian capital Skopje of the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia. The first quake occurred in Skopje (with a population of 200,000 people to that time) at about 5:00 pm and lasted for 20 seconds. Tremors from the earthquake were felt some 90 miles along the Vardar valley. More than 100,000 people were made homeless immediately as three-quarters of the city's buildings were damaged or destroyed. Early reports suggest hundreds were trapped beneath the rubble. The city's hospitals were already at breaking point and medical supplies and blood plasma were urgently required. The city's main railway station was destroyed as was the post office, cutting off all communication with the outside world. Rescue teams from across Yugoslavia were making their way to the stricken city. Eye-witnesses said buildings collapsed like packs of cards and people were running through the city to flee the carnage. President Tito of Yugoslavia said in a message of condolence sent immediately after the tragedy: "Together with all the peoples of Yugoslavia we will endeavour to mitigate the misfortune that has befallen your Republic." Seismological stations in Yugoslavia recorded the strength of the earthquake as 9.0 on the Mercalli scale (equivalent to 6.9 on the Richter scale.)

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