At 5.12am on 18 April 1906, San Francisco and the northern coast of California was hit by a massive earthquake.

It’s estimated that over 3,000 people died in the disaster, and that over 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed by the earthquake itself or by the terrible fire that followed.

We thought we’d commemorate the day by posting some stories that were published when news of the tragedy first reached the UK.

Derby Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 18 April 1906

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000327/19060418/043/0003

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser – Thursday 19 April 1906

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000206/19060419/124/0010

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser – Thursday 19 April 1906

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000206/19060419/124/0010

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser – Thursday 19 April 1906

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000206/19060419/124/0010