sentences:  The shaking was especially intense in the port area resulting in the permanent displacement of the stone pavings in a "wave-like pattern".Damage was heaviest in the old historic centre and the low, level central and northern sections of the city due to the soft sandy soil; it was less severe in the mountainous western part as the structures were built on firmer terrain such as Gonzaga Fort which was unscathed and remains to date.The area between Cathedral Square and the Civic Hospital was obliterated as was the Boccetta zone.