Skopje is today commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck the city on July 26, 1963, resulting in the deaths of 1,070 people and injuries to 3,000. The city is holding memorial events to remember the victims and reflect on the disaster’s impact.

As a tribute to the victims, delegations from the Assembly and the City of Skopje will lay flowers at the Monument to the Victims of the Earthquake at the Butel city cemetery at 10:00 a.m. This is a traditional act of remembrance observed annually.

The Museum of the City of Skopje will host the opening of the exhibition “Skopje during the Earthquake and After” at 8:00 p.m. this evening. The exhibition aims to provide a permanent display for museum visitors to learn about the earthquake and its aftermath.

The 1963 Skopje earthquake, which occurred at five hours and 17 minutes with aftershocks continuing until five hours and 43 minutes, is remembered as a pivotal moment in the city’s history. The earthquake destroyed 15,800 apartments and damaged 28,000, leaving over 200,000 people homeless.

The disaster is remembered not only as a tragedy but also as a demonstration of global solidarity, with international aid contributing to the city’s recovery. Skopje continues to honor the memory of the earthquake and its victims each year.