Earthquake in Palestine

Bethlehem, February 11, 2004

On the morning of Wednesday February 11, 2004, at approximately 10:15 AM, an earthquake measuring nearly 5.0 on the Richter scale hit parts of the West Bank and Palestine.  There were no reported casualties, except some minor indirect injuries and small damage to some buildings.

The earthquake extended from the Dead Sea to throughout the West Bank and to the northern Lake of Tiberia.  While it only lasted a few seconds, it sent people streaming into the streets in panic.

In Bethlehem, there were minor damages to old building, like cracks in the ceilings. Part of the roof of the Lutheran Church fell off, but no one was hurt.  Shortly after the shock, civil authorities announced on PA's that people should be prepared for another one. Streets were chaotic, and phone lines were clogged with everyone trying to reach their family members. Schools were let out by 11Am, and everyone rushed back to their homes. But another earthquake did not occur.

The quake was caused by tectonic deformations of the earth crust in the Dead Sea. A fault line runs from the Dead Sea along the Jordan Valley towards the north. Scientists predict one earthquake approximately every 50 years.   In 1927, a destructive quake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale killed many people, including 4 in Bethlehem, and damaged hundreds of buildings. On Dec. 31 last year, a small earthquake of magnitude 3.7 was measured in the Dead Sea region, but no damage was reported. In general, an earthquake of a magnitude less than 3 is not felt by people.

Joseph Hazboun

The Bethlehem Association