1972 Nicaragua earthquake struck on December 23

The 1972 Nicaragua earthquake struck on December 23, with a magnitude of 6.3, devastating the capital city of Managua. The earthquake resulted in the loss of between 4,000 and 11,000 lives and left over 300,000 people homeless. Nearly 90% of the city was destroyed, including critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and homes. In the aftermath, the international community mobilized to provide aid; however, relief efforts were severely hindered by corruption and mismanagement within the Nicaraguan government, led by President Anastasio Somoza Debayle. Instead of prioritizing the rebuilding of Managua, Somoza was accused of siphoning off relief funds for personal gain. This mishandling of resources not only delayed recovery efforts but also sparked outrage among the populace. Notably, Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente took it upon himself to fly to Managua on December 31 to deliver aid directly, highlighting the dire situation. The government's failure to effectively manage the disaster response contributed to growing discontent among Nicaraguans, ultimately playing a significant role in the Sandinista revolution that led to the overthrow of the Somoza regime in 1979.