Today marks 110th anniversary of 1906 earthquake in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO -- A wreath was laid this morning in memory of the victims of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It was 110 years ago silence was broken by the sounds of rumbling, buildings collapsing and people screaming as a 7.8 earthquake hit the city.

More than 3,000 people died and hundreds of thousands lost their homes. The earthquake and following fires destroyed much of San Francisco and caused billions of dollars of damage in today's dollars.

Survivors came to Lotta's Fountain to post notices, looking for family or friends amid the rubble. Every year the earthquake is remembered at the fountain with a ceremony. The last two remaining survivors of the earthquake passed away earlier this year, their families are expected to attend today's memorial. The recent victims of devastating quakes in Japan and Ecuador will also be honored.

From the fountain, a procession went to the golden fire hydrant in Dolores Park. It was the only working fire hydrant in the area and volunteer fire fighters used it to protect much of the Mission District.

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