Reconstruction Process and Social Issues After the 1746 Earthquake and Tsunami in Peru: Past and Present Challenges After Tsunami Events - Post-Tsunami Hazard: Reconstruction and Restoration - page 99

Fig. 7.2 Callao and its fortress prior to the earthquake and tsunami of 1746 (Source: Silgado 1978 ,
INGEMMET/CERESIS. http://www.ceresis.org/intensidades/hist/776.html )

The population of Callao was approximately 5,000, and the majority of the
inhabitants were fi shermen who lacked formal education and did not receive any
payment for their work. Other demographic groups included the inhabitants of the
inner city, the traders and the workmen (e.g., carpenters, caulkers, etc.).
Several orchards—in which a variety of olives, oranges and citron trees were
cultivated—could be found on the route from Lima to Callao. The walls surround-
ing the town were fortifi ed by 10 bastions on the inland side and cannons on the side
facing the sea.

7.3 The 1746 Earthquake in Peru

On the night of October 28, 1746, a strong ground motion struck the city of Lima
and the port of Callao, beginning at 10:30 and continuing for approximately
3-4 min. As described above, the city's massive walls and narrow streets crushed