The 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami killed between 15,000 and 20,000 people in Lisbon and an estimated 1,020 lived in the Algarve region of Portugal. The earthquake destroyed 85% of Lisbon's buildings and cost Portugal between 32-48% of its GDP, making it one of the worst natural disasters in western Europe. The earthquake and tsunami devastated the economy, society, and major settlements in the Algarve region. While recovery began in the years following, the Algarve remains at risk from future earthquakes and tsunamis given its location and importance to Portugal's economy and tourism industry today.
3. THE EVENT.. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake (magnitude c. 8-5Mw) killed between 15,000 and 20,000 people, of whom an estimated 1020 lived in the Algarve. The earthquake cost Portugal between c.32 and 48% of its Gross Domestic Product, probably making it financially the greatest natural catastrophe to have affected western Europe. Using a combination of archival information and data collected in the field, this article discusses: the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunami on the economy, society and major settlements in the Algarve; and recovery of the region in the years that followed.
