1815day.year
The Mount Tambora volcano begins a three-month-long eruption, lasting until July 15. The eruption ultimately kills 71,000 people and affects Earth's climate for the next two years.
In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted in one of the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history, killing tens of thousands and altering global climate.
Starting on April 10, 1815, Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia unleashed a massive eruption. For three months, ash and volcanic gases filled the atmosphere, producing vivid sunsets and darkened skies thousands of miles away. The explosion destroyed entire villages and caused the deaths of an estimated 71,000 people from pyroclastic flows, tsunamis, and famine. Volcanic ash led to crop failures and extreme weather patterns in Europe and North America, contributing to the Year Without a Summer in 1816. Food shortages and social unrest spread across multiple continents. Scientists later identified Tambora as a major climate forcing event, reducing global temperatures by 0.4–0.7 °C for years. The eruption remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in history and a key case study in volcanology and climate science.
1815
Mount Tambora
July 15
affects Earth's climate
1963day.year
One hundred twenty-nine American sailors die when the submarine USS Thresher sinks at sea.
The US Navy submarine USS Thresher sank during deep-diving tests, resulting in 129 deaths.
On April 10, 1963, USS Thresher (SSN-593), the United States Navy's first nuclear-powered attack submarine, was lost at sea during deep-diving trials off the coast of New England. Thresher began to descend to test depth when it experienced a machinery failure and lost contact with surface ships. Despite efforts to rescue or locate the vessel, it was declared lost with all 129 crew members on board. The tragedy prompted the Submarine Safety Program (SUBSAFE), implementing rigorous design, construction, and maintenance standards to prevent future disasters. The loss of Thresher remains the gravest submarine accident in US history. Monuments and memorial services continue to honor those who perished.
1963
submarine
USS Thresher
1968day.year
The TEV Wahine, a New Zealand ferry sinks in Wellington harbour due to a fierce storm – the strongest winds ever in Wellington. Out of the 734 people on board, fifty-three died.
The New Zealand ferry TEV Wahine sank in Wellington Harbour during a severe storm, killing 53 people.
On April 10, 1968, the passenger ferry TEV Wahine encountered a fierce storm while entering Wellington Harbour. Intense winds and rough seas overpowered the vessel, causing it to strike Barrett Reef and list dangerously. Despite rescue efforts by harbour tugs and other vessels, 53 of the 734 passengers and crew lost their lives. The disaster, driven by the strongest winds ever recorded in Wellington at the time, remains New Zealand's worst maritime tragedy. Investigations highlighted navigational challenges and prompted reforms in harbour safety procedures. The loss of the Wahine had lasting impacts on New Zealand's transportation policies and public awareness of maritime risks.
1968
TEV Wahine
1973day.year
Invicta International Airlines Flight 435 crashes in a snowstorm on approach to Basel, Switzerland, killing 108 people.
Invicta International Airlines Flight 435 crashed while approaching Basel airport in a snowstorm, killing 108 on board.
On April 10, 1973, Flight 435, a chartered Invicta International Airlines plane, encountered severe winter weather during its descent into Basel-Mulhouse Airport.
A sudden snowstorm drastically reduced visibility as the aircraft approached the runway.
Unable to align properly, the plane struck terrain and broke apart, leading to a catastrophic impact.
All 108 passengers and crew aboard lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in Swiss aviation history.
The incident prompted a thorough investigation into weather forecasting, approach procedures, and crew training for adverse conditions.
Recommendations from the crash led to improvements in airport navigation aids and stricter protocols for landing in severe weather.
1973
Invicta International Airlines Flight 435
Basel
1979day.year
Red River Valley tornado outbreak: A tornado lands in Wichita Falls, Texas killing 42 people.
A violent tornado struck Wichita Falls, Texas during the Red River Valley outbreak, killing 42 people.
On April 10, 1979, a powerful supercell thunderstorm spawned multiple tornadoes across the Red River Valley region.
The most devastating twister tore through Wichita Falls, Texas, leveling homes, businesses, and schools.
Winds over 200 mph carved a path of destruction nearly one mile wide, leaving dozens trapped under rubble.
Emergency responders faced daunting rescue efforts amid downed power lines and blocked roads.
The disaster claimed 42 lives and injured hundreds more, overwhelming local hospitals and relief agencies.
In the aftermath, communities united to rebuild, implementing stricter building codes and expanding tornado warning systems to better protect residents.
1979
Red River Valley tornado outbreak
Wichita Falls, Texas
1988day.year
The Ojhri Camp explosion kills or injures more than 1,000 people in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.
A massive explosion at Ojhri Camp military depot in Pakistan killed or injured over 1,000 people.
On April 10, 1988, the Ojhri Camp, a military ammunition depot near Rawalpindi, Pakistan, suffered a catastrophic explosion.
The blast unleashed a shockwave felt in Islamabad, destroying homes, shops, and vehicles in nearby areas.
More than 1,000 people were killed or wounded as shrapnel and debris rained down on residential neighborhoods.
Eyewitnesses described buildings reduced to rubble and rescue teams racing against time to pull survivors from the wreckage.
The incident raised questions about weapons storage safety, government oversight, and emergency preparedness.
In response, military authorities reviewed depot handling procedures and instituted stricter regulations on munitions storage.
1988
Ojhri Camp
Rawalpindi
Islamabad
1991day.year
Italian ferry MS Moby Prince collides with an oil tanker in dense fog off Livorno, Italy, killing 140.
The Italian ferry MS Moby Prince collided with an oil tanker off Livorno in dense fog, resulting in 140 deaths.
On April 10, 1991, the car-passenger ferry Moby Prince departed Livorno, Italy, bound for Sardinia.
Shortly after departure, it collided with the Norwegian oil tanker Agip Abruzzo in thick fog.
The impact ruptured the tanker's hull, causing a fire that engulfed both vessels.
Rescue efforts were hampered by low visibility and chaotic conditions on board the burning ferry.
Only a few survivors were pulled from the water; 140 people perished in one of Italy's worst maritime disasters.
Subsequent inquiries examined navigation protocols, radar usage, and emergency response procedures to prevent future tragedies.
1991
MS Moby Prince
Livorno
2010day.year
Polish Air Force Tu-154M crashes near Smolensk, Russia, killing 96 people, including Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife, and dozens of other senior officials and dignitaries.
A Polish Air Force Tu-154M carrying President Lech Kaczyński and a delegation crashed near Smolensk in foggy conditions, killing all 96 people aboard.
On April 10, 2010, a Polish Air Force Tupolev Tu-154M was en route to a memorial ceremony in Katyn Forest when it crashed during its approach to Smolensk-North airport.
Poor visibility due to heavy fog and adverse weather conditions contributed to the aircraft descending below safe altitude.
The crash claimed the lives of Poland’s President Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria, and 94 other senior officials, military officers, and dignitaries.
The tragedy plunged Poland into deep mourning and had a profound impact on domestic politics and international relations.
Investigations by Polish and Russian teams examined possible pilot error, weather conditions, and airport infrastructure.
Controversy and conspiracy theories emerged, fueling debate and tension between Poland and Russia for years.
Memorials and commemorative events continue to honor the victims and reflect on this national tragedy.
2010
Polish Air Force
Tu-154
crashes
Smolensk
Lech Kaczyński
2016day.year
The Paravur temple accident in which a devastating fire caused by the explosion of firecrackers stored for Vishu, kills more than one hundred people out of the thousands gathered for seventh day of Bhadrakali worship.
An explosion of stored firecrackers during the Vishu festival at Paravur temple sparked a deadly fire, killing over 100 people.
On April 10, 2016, thousands gathered at the Paravur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala, India, to celebrate the culmination of the Bhadrakali worship during the Vishu festival.
Stored firecrackers inside a temple shed detonated unexpectedly, triggering a massive fire that swept through the assembly.
Over a hundred devotees lost their lives, and many more were injured as panic spread through the crowded grounds.
Rescue teams and local volunteers raced to extinguish the flames and provide medical aid amid chaotic scenes.
Investigations pointed to improper storage and handling of explosives as the cause of the catastrophe.
The tragedy prompted calls for stricter safety regulations for religious events and renewed focus on emergency preparedness in public spaces.
2016
Paravur temple accident
Vishu
Bhadrakali
2016day.year
An earthquake of 6.6 magnitude strikes 39 km west-southwest of Ashkasham, impacting India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Srinagar and Pakistan.
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near Ashkasham, sending tremors across multiple countries and prompting damage reports and relief efforts.
On April 10, 2016, a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit 39 km west-southwest of Ashkasham, along the border region of Afghanistan.
The seismic waves were distinctly felt in parts of northern India, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Srinagar, causing widespread alarm.
Although the remote epicenter limited severe structural damage, aftershocks rattled communities and disrupted daily life.
Local authorities conducted rapid assessments of infrastructure to identify any hazards or fatalities.
Humanitarian agencies monitored the situation, standing by to offer aid to affected villages in mountainous terrain.
The event served as a stark reminder of the seismic risks inherent to the Hindu Kush region.
earthquake of 6.6 magnitude
Ashkasham