The Ruby Tower, a multi-story building, suffered a catastrophic collapse during the powerful 1968 August 02 Ms7.3 Casiguran Earthquake. This devastating event led to significant structural failure and a tragic loss of life.
Details of the Collapse
During the earthquake, most of the Ruby Tower's structure succumbed, collapsing dramatically. Only a small portion of the building remained standing: specifically, parts of the northern end of the first and second floors. The remaining sections offered a stark visual of the widespread destruction.
Key Observations of the Collapse:
- Extent: The majority of the building collapsed entirely.
- Remaining Structure: Only sections of the northern end of the first and second floors were left intact.
- Direction of Fall: The upper floors of the tower notably fell southwards.
- Roof Displacement: The southern end of the roof was displaced significantly, moving approximately 30 feet (9.15 meters) south and an additional 10 feet or 3 [further direction unspecified in original documentation].
Casualties
The collapse of the Ruby Tower resulted in a high number of casualties among its occupants. The disaster claimed the lives of 268 persons and left 260 individuals injured.
For a quick overview, here's a summary of the impact:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | 1968 August 02 Ms7.3 Casiguran Earthquake |
| Extent of Collapse | Most of the building, except for parts of the northern end of the 1st and 2nd floors |
| Fatalities | 268 persons |
| Injuries | 260 occupants |
| Upper Floors Movement | Fell southwards |
| Roof Movement | Southern end moved ~30 feet (9.15 meters) south and ~10 feet or 3 |
The destruction of the Ruby Tower stands as a significant event in the history of building collapses due to seismic activity, highlighting the immense forces unleashed by major earthquakes.
