1688 Sannio earthquake

1688 Sannio earthquake
Local dateJune 5, 1688 (1688-06-05)
Local timeLate afternoon
Magnitude7.0 Mw
Epicentre41°16′N 14°35′E / 41.267°N 14.583°E / 41.267; 14.583
Areas affectedCampania
Max. intensityMMI XI (Extreme)
Casualtiesest. 10,000 dead

The 1688 Sannio earthquake occurred in the late afternoon of June 5 in the province of Benevento of southern Italy. The moment magnitude is estimated at 7.0, with a Mercalli intensity of XI. It severely damaged numerous towns in a vast area, completely destroying Cerreto Sannita and Guardia Sanframondi. The exact number of victims is unknown, although it is estimated to total approximately 10,000. It is among the most destructive earthquakes in the history of Italy.