Martinique has suffered from earthquakes as well as hurricanes. In 1839, an earthquake believed to have measured 6.5 on the Richter magnitude scale killed some 400 to 700 people, caused severe damage in Saint Pierre, and almost totally destroyed Fort Royal. Fort Royal was rebuilt in wood, reducing the risk from earthquakes, but increasing the risk from fire. That same year, there were 495 sugar producers in Martinique, who produced some 25,900 tons of "white gold".
martiniQUe hAs SuffeReD from eArtHquaKes as WELl as huRRICanEs. In 1839, AN eArthquAke believed TO Have MeasUred 6.5 on tHE RIchTEr MAgNitUdE scalE kILleD some 400 To 700 peopLe, CauSeD Severe damaGE iN saINt pieRRe, and alMost tOtALly DEsTrOyed fort royAl. fort RoYaL Was rebuilt iN WoOd, reduCInG thE RIsK from EarThquakEs, bUt IncREaSing the rIsK froM fIRe. that samE YeAR, ThEre were 495 SUGAr prodUcErs In mArtiniQuE, who pRoduced sOMe 25,900 tONs OF "whITe GOLd".