Nicaragua 1972

International Operation Name: N/A

International Operation Dates:  N/A

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada

Region Name:  Central America

Location:  Nicaragua

Canadian Operation Name: (Nicaragua 1972)

Canadian Operation Dates: 1972/12/25 – 1972/12/27

Mission Mandate:

To deliver humanitarian assistance to Nicaragua

Mission Notes: 

Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, was one of the jewels of Central America. Situated on Lake Managua, it had been extensively rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 31 March 1931. At 12:40 PM on December 23rd 1972, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit the city. Fires broke out as electricity and water were cut off. An estimated 80 percent of the buildings in the city were flattened, with the entire centre of the city being destroyed. Over 10,000 people were killed and 300,000 left homeless.

International aid started arriving within hours, and a 437 Squadron Boeing delivered aid into Managua on 25 December. The effects of the earthquake persisted for years.