March 14

On March 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Pelican Island in Florida as the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. The refuge was created to protect the brown pelican from excessive plume hunting and habitat loss. Roosevelt’s action marked the beginning of the federal wildlife refuge system and reflected growing public concern for conservation. The small barrier island became a sanctuary for various bird species and set a model for future protected areas. Pelican Island’s establishment spurred the creation of dozens of additional refuges, safeguarding diverse ecosystems nationwide. It remains a testament to early conservation leadership and the enduring value of protecting natural resources.

On March 14, 2019, Cyclone Idai struck the Mozambique coast near Beira as one of the worst tropical cyclones to hit the Southern Hemisphere. The storm brought torrential rains and powerful winds, leading to widespread flooding and infrastructure collapse. Beira’s protective sea walls were breached, submerging large parts of the city under water. The disaster affected millions across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with more than 1,000 confirmed fatalities. International aid agencies launched large-scale relief operations to provide food, clean water, and medical assistance. Cyclone Idai underscored the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events and highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness.