An earthquake in 1972 destroyed nearly 90 % of Managua , resulting in massive destruction to the city 's infrastructure . Instead of helping to rebuild Managua , Somoza siphoned off relief money . The mishandling of relief money also prompted Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente to personally fly to Managua on December 31 , 1972 , but he died '' en route '' in an airplane accident . Even the economic elite were reluctant to support Somoza , as he had acquired monopolies in industries that were key to rebuilding the nation
earthquake in 1972
1972 Nicaragua earthquake
Nicaragua