SIRENS SOUND 57 YEARS AFTER THE DEVASTATING QUAKE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 27 /SRNA/ - Warning and alert sirens sounded across Banja Luka at 9:11 this morning in memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city 57 years ago.

The sirens sounded a steady tone for 60 seconds, accompanied by a voice message explaining the reason for their activation.

The devastating earthquake struck Banja Luka on October 27, 1969, killing 15 people and injuring 1,117, some seriously. The city suffered enormous destruction, and several municipalities across the Krajina region were also badly hit.

Thirteen people were killed in the "Titanik" building, which suffered severe structural damage. In Braće i Sestara Kapor Street, a girl was killed when part of a house collapsed on her while she was playing in the yard, and a man was killed in front of what was then the "Kozara" restaurant.

According to the Seismological Service of the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute, a strong 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Banja Luka at 4:36 p.m. on October 26, 1969, causing the first serious material damage.