March 31

Centered near the Azores-Gibraltar fault, the quake sends shockwaves across the Iberian Peninsula and into North Africa. its intensity causes widespread damage in Lisbon, where reconstruction efforts from the 1755 disaster are still underway. Coastal communities face additional harm from tsunami waves generated by the tremor. While casualty figures remain uncertain, the event deepens the psychological impact of recurring seismic threats. Scholars note its role in advancing seismology and urban planning techniques. The 1761 earthquake underscores the region’s persistent vulnerability to natural disasters.

A devastating earthquake struck Managua, Nicaragua on March 31, 1931, leveling much of the capital city. The quake caused fires and widespread destruction that left approximately 2,000 people dead. Rescue and relief efforts were hampered by damaged infrastructure and limited resources. International aid poured in, helping survivors to rebuild schools, churches, and government buildings. The disaster prompted stricter building codes and a reevaluation of urban planning in Managua.

On March 31, 1931, a Transcontinental & Western Air (TWA) airliner crashed near Bazaar, Kansas while en route from Kansas City. All eight people aboard were killed, including famed University of Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. The crash into floodwaters during poor weather shocked the nation and brought attention to aviation safety. Investigations led to improvements in aircraft design, pilot training, and emergency procedures. Rockne’s untimely death remains one of the most tragic moments in early commercial aviation.

On March 31, 1986, Mexicana de Aviación Flight 940 departed Mexico City for Los Angeles. Shortly after takeoff, an improperly fitted maintenance part caused catastrophic engine failure. The plane descended uncontrollably into the rugged Sierra Madre Oriental near Maravatío. All 167 passengers and crew perished in the impact, making it one of Mexico's deadliest aviation disasters. The crash prompted a thorough review of airline maintenance procedures and led to stricter safety regulations. These measures aimed to prevent similar tragedies and restore public confidence in air travel.

On March 31, 1995, TAROM Flight 371, an Airbus A310-300, crashed shortly after takeoff from Bucharest's Otopeni International Airport. The flight was en route to Brussels when it encountered technical difficulties and adverse weather conditions. The aircraft descended rapidly and impacted terrain near the village of Balotesti, resulting in the loss of all 60 passengers and crew. It remains one of the deadliest accidents in TAROM's history. The crash prompted investigations into flight data recorder protocols and aircraft maintenance procedures. Safety recommendations were issued to improve monitoring of in-flight systems and emergency response.

Beginning on March 31, 2023, a strong storm system triggered a widespread tornado outbreak across states including Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi. Meteorologists confirmed over 70 tornadoes over several days, with many reaching EF3 strength or higher. The outbreak caused extensive property damage, power outages, and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Emergency services launched search-and-rescue operations amid devastated communities, while relief organizations provided aid and shelter. This event ranked among the most intense spring tornado outbreaks in recent U.S. history. Researchers studied atmospheric conditions that fueled the outbreak to improve future forecasting and warning protocols.