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A Night The Earth Didn't Sleep

    On July 28, 1976, a magnitude 7. 8 earthquake hit the sleeping city of Tangshan in northeastern China. The very large earthquake killed over 240, 000people, making it the deadliest earthquake of the twentieth century.

    In a village outside of Tangshan, well water rose and fell three times the day before the earthquake. Water pipes throughout the area cracked and . Animals also gave a warning that something was about to happen. Chickens and pigs were too nervous to eat. Mice ran around looking for a place to . A goldfish began jumping wildly in its bowl.  Stranger Indeed. Many people reported seeing strange lights as well as hearing , which was described as louder than that of an airplane.

    At 3:42 a. m. on July 28, over a million people lay sleeping.  As the earth began to shake, it seemed as if the world was . One-third of the nation felt it. In fifteen terrible seconds a large city lay in . Two-thirds of people died or were during the earthquake. Everywhere they looked nearly everything was destroyed. All of the city's hospitals, 75%of its factories and buildings and 90% of its homes were gone. were faced with no water, no food, and no electricity. People were shocked. Then, later that afternoon, another big quake which was almost as strong as the first one shook Tangshan. Some of the workers and doctors were trapped under the ruins.

    All hope was not lost. Soon after the quakes, the army sent 150, 000 soldiers and thousands of people were helped. The army organized teams to those who were trapped and to bury the dead. Workers built for survivors whose homes had been destroyed. Fresh water was taken to the city by train, truck and plane. Though it took time, the entire city was rebuilt, earning Tangshan the name “Brave City of China.”

    The very large earthquake killed over 240, 000 people, making it the deadliest earthquake of the twentieth century.

Everywhere they looked nearly everything was destroyed.