1920 Gori earthquake

Before the devastation of the 1920 earthquake, this street used to have great cultural and historical importance for the city. Meanwhile, it is often claimed that the true face of a society is revealed only during disasters, and this was most certainly a great disaster for Gori, at a time when the short-lived Democratic Republic of Georgia sought to establish itself. As a result of the earthquake, 756 buildings were destroyed and more than half of the city was demolished. Only 16 buildings escaped with only minor damage. The human cost was significant too, as the disaster killed 114 people in the city and surrounding municipality. Among others, the villages of Ateni, Gorizvari, Skra, Khovle, Sasireti, and Doesi were almost completely destroyed. In total, 75 villages of Gori municipality were damaged to varying degrees. However, from the darkness came some light, as the earthquake revealed the resilient spirit of the young republic: the tragedy brought unprecedented waves of mobilization and support throughout Georgia. A substantial credit package was put together quickly, albeit falling short of meeting the extraordinary cost of the disaster. The Georgian government rented apartments in the towns of Borjomi, Khashuri, and Surami for the thousands rendered homeless by the earthquake. In addition to state apparatuses, the disaster also triggered solidarity initiatives from society as a whole including charitable actions, contests, and volunteer initiatives to help Gori and its residents. The population was sent food, basic necessities, 10,000 tents, and firewood. Furthermore, field hospitals were established to provide first aid to the victims, with trains transporting the most seriously injured to Tbilisi. International support was also impressive as the Red Cross arrived to provide assistance, the Italian Civil Mission sent a 500-strong field ambulance and medical team, while the Armenian National Council made a substantial monetary donation and 20 hospital beds for the victims. In addition, the American Eastern Aid Committee sent three wagonloads of clothes. In 1920, the Democratic Republic of Georgia was only two years old, but both government and society managed to mobilize effectively to respond to the crisis. Later, Gori would again suffer further disasters. However, the earthquake of 1920, even more than a century on, still leaves a deep scar of human tragedy, as well as a shining example of civic resilience in Gori.