Ruins from the Earthquake of 1972

These photos are ruins of the old National Cathedral. The Cathedral, and most of downtown Managua were left in ruins after the earthquake of 1972.

Today many of the gutted out remains of old buildings that were left structurally unsound still stand in the old downtown section of Managua. These ruins are 35 years old. The cathedral itself is cordoned off now, and you can no longer enter it. However many squatters live in the ruins of other buildings, despite the fact they are not safe. They have tapped into electric poles and "hot-wired" electrical service, but clearly have no plumbing or running water. These buildings simply provide shelter from the most extreme elements and a little electricity.