1920day.year
Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1920 affects the Great Lakes region and Deep South states.
In 1920, a devastating Palm Sunday tornado outbreak struck the Great Lakes region and Deep South, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
On March 28, 1920, a series of powerful tornadoes tore through multiple states across the Great Lakes and Deep South in what became known as the Palm Sunday outbreak. The storms spawned dozens of tornadoes in states such as Indiana, Tennessee, and Georgia, leveling towns and uprooting communities. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured as homes, businesses, and churches were destroyed. The outbreak highlighted the need for improved storm forecasting and warning systems. In its aftermath, meteorologists studied the event to better understand severe weather patterns. The disaster remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history and spurred advances in American meteorology and disaster preparedness.
1920
Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1920
Great Lakes
Deep South
1933day.year
The Imperial Airways biplane City of Liverpool is believed to be the first airliner lost to sabotage when a passenger sets a fire on board.
In 1933, a passenger aboard the Imperial Airways biplane City of Liverpool set a fire onboard, leading to the first suspected airliner sabotage.
In 1933, the Imperial Airways biplane City of Liverpool departed on a routine passenger service.
During flight, a passenger deliberately started a fire in the cabin, leading to an uncontrollable blaze.
The aircraft was destroyed and all on board perished, marking the first suspected case of airliner sabotage.
Investigators faced challenges in determining motive and methodology amidst early aviation security limitations.
The incident prompted airlines and governments to review safety protocols and passenger screening measures.
This tragedy highlighted vulnerabilities in the emerging commercial air travel industry.
1933
Imperial Airways
sabotage
sets a fire on board
1961day.year
ČSA Flight 511 crashes in Igensdorf, Germany, killing 52.
On March 28, 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashed near Igensdorf, Germany, resulting in 52 fatalities.
On the morning of March 28, 1961, ČSA Flight 511 embarked on a routine passenger service.
Shortly before landing, the aircraft crashed near Igensdorf in Bavaria.
All 52 passengers and crew were killed in the accident.
Investigators examined mechanical failure and pilot factors but the exact cause remained inconclusive.
This disaster was one of the deadliest in Czechoslovak airline operations at the time.
Following the crash, ČSA reviewed its safety procedures and maintenance protocols.
1961
ČSA Flight 511
Igensdorf
1965day.year
An Mw 7.4 earthquake in Chile sets off a series of tailings dam failures, burying the town of El Cobre and killing at least 500 people.
In 1965, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Chile triggered tailings dam failures that buried the mining town of El Cobre, killing at least 500 people.
On March 28, 1965, a powerful Mw 7.4 earthquake struck Northern Chile's mining region.
The seismic shock caused several tailings dams to collapse, releasing toxic mine waste.
Liquid tailings rushed downhill and inundated the town of El Cobre within seconds.
At least 500 residents and mine workers were buried or drowned in the flood of debris.
Rescue efforts were hampered by unstable ground and damaged infrastructure.
The disaster prompted Chilean authorities to strengthen dam design standards and emergency response planning.
1965
7.4 earthquake in Chile
tailings dam failures
1970day.year
An earthquake strikes western Turkey at about 23:05 local time, killing 1,086 and injuring at least 1,200.
On March 28, 1970, a devastating earthquake struck western Turkey, killing over 1,000 people and injuring at least 1,200. Many towns suffered severe damage, leaving survivors in urgent need of aid.
On the late evening of March 28, 1970, a powerful earthquake struck western Turkey at approximately 23:05 local time.
Entire villages and towns were reduced to rubble as buildings collapsed under the force of the tremor.
Rescue teams and volunteers scrambled to reach survivors trapped beneath debris, navigating unstable structures and ongoing aftershocks.
In total, 1,086 people lost their lives and at least 1,200 more were injured, some critically.
The disaster prompted a national relief effort, with medical staff and emergency responders working around the clock.
This tragic event highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and led to improvements in building codes and disaster preparedness.
1970
earthquake
Turkey
1979day.year
A coolant leak at the Three Mile Island's Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania leads to the core overheating and a partial meltdown.
On March 28, 1979, a coolant leak at Three Mile Island's Unit 2 nuclear reactor caused the core to overheat and partially melt down, marking the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power history.
In the early hours of March 28, 1979, Unit 2 of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, experienced a loss-of-coolant accident.
A mechanical failure combined with operator error allowed coolant to escape, causing the reactor core to overheat.
Although a full meltdown was averted, radiation leaked into surrounding areas, prompting widespread fear and mandatory evacuations.
The incident led to sweeping changes in nuclear safety protocols, emergency response planning, and regulatory oversight.
Public trust in nuclear energy plummeted as media coverage highlighted potential health risks and environmental damage.
Three Mile Island remains a cautionary tale in reactor design and crisis management within the nuclear power industry.
1979
Three Mile Island
nuclear reactor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
core overheating and a partial meltdown
2005day.year
An earthquake shakes northern Sumatra with a magnitude of 8.6 and killing over 1000 people.
On March 28, 2005, a massive magnitude 8.6 earthquake struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia, claiming over 1,000 lives and causing widespread destruction.
In the early hours of March 28, 2005, a magnitude 8.6 earthquake rattled northern Sumatra's Aceh province.
Shaking lasted nearly two minutes and triggered powerful aftershocks that hampered rescue efforts.
Homes, schools, and infrastructure collapsed in multiple districts, leaving communities in ruins.
More than 1,000 people were killed and thousands injured as relief teams struggled to reach remote areas.
Indonesia's government and international aid organizations launched a massive humanitarian response.
The disaster underscored the region's vulnerability to seismic events and prompted improvements in early warning systems.
2005
earthquake
Sumatra
2025day.year
An earthquake strikes close to Mandalay, Myanmar with a magnitude of 7.7, killing over 100 people.
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, causes significant loss of life and widespread damage.
On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay in central Myanmar, resulting in over 100 fatalities and injuring thousands. The quake shattered buildings, triggered landslides, and cut off access to remote villages. Rescue teams and volunteers faced immense challenges as damaged infrastructure hampered relief efforts. International aid organizations swiftly deployed resources, setting up medical camps and temporary shelters for displaced families. The disaster underscored the region’s seismic vulnerability and the need for improved building codes and emergency preparedness. Recovery operations continue as communities strive to rebuild and enhance resilience against future quakes.
2025
earthquake
Mandalay
Myanmar