EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE TO SCHOOLS

School Split by Slumping Ground, 1964, Alaska

Earthquake of March 27, 1964, Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. Location: Prince William Sound, southern Alaska; Affected Area: 1,813,000 km2; Damage: 538 million. The earthquake was one of the most violent ever recorded. In addition to the Government Hill School which was destroyed, the Denali School incurred considerable structural damage. The entire second floor of West High School classroom wing was a total loss. Chugiak and Eagle River elementary schools incurred some damage. Despite widespread destruction, ten of Anchorage's 20 schools reopened on April 6, ten days after the earthquake. Government Hill Elementary School split in two and was virtually destroyed when the ground beneath it slumped down. Fortunately, the earthquake occurred on Good Friday, a school holiday. Photo Credit: NOAA/NGDC.