EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE TO SCHOOLS

Damage to Helena, MT High School by Earthquake in 1935

Earthquake of October 31, 1935, Helena, Montana, USA. Location: almost directly beneath Helena; Affected Area: 363,000 km2; Damage: 4 million. A series of earthquakes beginning on October 3, 1935, shook the area. The strongest of the shocks was on October 18. Several shocks of lesser intensity were followed by a second strong earthquake on October 31 that destroyed many buildings that had been previously damaged. The shocks continued with additional strong shocks on November 21 and November 28. The photo shows the west wing of Helena High School that collapsed in the October 31 earthquake. The collapsed part of the school had reinforced concrete frame, floors, and roof, and the tile floors were faced with brick. The greatest amount of damage to a single structure was incurred by this building although it had just been completed only two months prior to the earthquake at a cost of approximately 500,000. Photo Credit: NOAA/NGDC.