250 years ago today the most devastating earthquake to strike Hungary hit Komárom on June 28, 1763. Estimated at 6.3 on the Richter scale, it caused at least 63 deaths, over 100 injuries, and heavily damaged buildings.
Aftermath of 1763 Komárom earthquake. Painting by Karl Friedel.
According to Wikipedia
During the 18th century Komárom experienced many natural disasters including floods, fires, earthquakes, and cholera and plague epidemics. Most notable of these natural disasters were the two earthquakes that completely destroyed the town in 1763 and 1783. Despite these calamities, Komárom continued to be an important center for trade and crafts until the middle of the 19th century. Beginning in the early 19th century, the fortifications surrounding Komárno underwent extensive reconstruction. The reconstruction was interrupted by the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Komárom played a significant role in the revolution, remaining the last bastion of the Hungarian resistance against the Austrians until 1849, when the fortress and town were finally surrendered.
This was during the lifetime of 5th Great-grandparents Gergely Édes and Eva Gyorgy and their children Judith, Susanna and István who lived in nearby Madár.
Photo courtesy http://ahojkomarno.sk/
Édes-Orbán Family 