1293day.year
An earthquake strikes Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan, killing about 23,000.
A powerful earthquake struck Kamakura, Japan, killing around 23,000 people.
On May 26, 1293, a major earthquake jolted the city of Kamakura, then the political center of Japan.
The tremor caused widespread destruction of wooden buildings and temples across the region.
Historical records estimate that approximately 23,000 people perished in the quake and subsequent fires.
The disaster struck during the Kamakura shogunate, challenging the ruling military government's authority.
Survivors faced famine and disease as they struggled to rebuild their homes and community.
The earthquake remains one of medieval Japan's deadliest natural disasters, shaping later seismic preparedness.
1293
earthquake strikes Kamakura, Kanagawa
1822day.year
At least 113 people die in the Grue Church fire, the biggest fire disaster in Norway's history.
A devastating church fire at Grue in Norway claimed at least 113 lives, marking the deadliest fire disaster in Norway’s history.
During a Pentecost worship service on May 26, 1822, a fire broke out inside the wooden Grue Church in Norway.
With a single narrow exit and no emergency plans, panic swept through the crowded interior.
Many worshippers were unable to escape as flames and smoke engulfed the building within minutes.
The confirmed death toll of 113 made it the worst fire disaster in Norwegian history.
In the aftermath, authorities introduced stricter fire safety regulations for public buildings and churches.
The tragedy led to architectural changes, including multiple exits and improved alarm systems in places of worship.
1822
Grue Church fire
1981day.year
An EA-6B Prowler crashes on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others.
An EA-6B Prowler aircraft crashes on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz, resulting in 14 deaths and 45 injuries among the crew.
On May 26, 1981, an EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft crashed while landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Pacific Ocean. The impact caused explosions and fires that killed 14 crew members and injured 45 others. Emergency response teams aboard the Nimitz battled blazes and conducted rescue operations amid harsh conditions at sea. The accident prompted a thorough investigation into carrier landing procedures and aircraft maintenance protocols. Findings led to improved safety measures for carrier operations and the adoption of enhanced firefighting equipment on naval vessels. The tragedy emphasized the risks inherent in naval aviation and spurred changes to protect service members during flight operations.
EA-6B Prowler
aircraft carrier
USS Nimitz
1983day.year
The 7.8 Mw Sea of Japan earthquake shakes northern Honshu with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). A destructive tsunami is generated that leaves about 100 people dead.
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the Sea of Japan triggers a tsunami, causing widespread destruction and around 100 fatalities in northern Honshu.
On May 26, 1983, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck beneath the Sea of Japan off the coast of northern Honshu, registering a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The seismic event generated a destructive tsunami that swept ashore, devastating coastal towns and villages. Buildings collapsed, roads were washed away, and essential infrastructure was severely damaged. Approximately 100 people lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured or displaced. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to damaged transportation networks and communication breakdowns. The disaster highlighted the need for improved tsunami warning systems and strengthened building codes in Japan’s earthquake-prone regions. Lessons learned from this calamity have since contributed to more resilient coastal defenses and emergency response planning.
1983
Sea of Japan earthquake
Honshu
Mercalli intensity
1991day.year
Lauda Air Flight 004 breaks apart in mid-air and crashes in the Phu Toei National Park in the Suphan Buri province of Thailand, killing all 223 people on board.
Lauda Air Flight 004 breaks apart in mid-air and crashes in Thailand’s Suphan Buri province, killing all 223 people on board.
On May 26, 1991, Lauda Air Flight 004, a Boeing 767 operating between Bangkok and Vienna, suffered an uncommanded thrust reverser deployment on its left engine and broke apart at cruising altitude over Thailand’s Suphan Buri province. The aircraft crashed into the forested area of Phu Toei National Park, killing all 213 passengers and 10 crew members. Extensive wreckage was scattered over a wide area, complicating recovery efforts. Investigators later identified the malfunctioning thrust reverser mechanism as the primary cause and recommended design modifications and stricter maintenance protocols. The disaster remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Thai history and led to improvements in aircraft safety standards worldwide. Memorials have been established to honor the victims and to raise awareness about aviation safety.
Lauda Air Flight 004
Phu Toei National Park
Suphan Buri province
Thailand
1998day.year
A MIAT Mongolian Airlines Harbin Y-12 crashes near Erdenet, Orkhon Province, Mongolia, resulting in 28 deaths.
A MIAT Mongolian Airlines Harbin Y-12 aircraft crashes near Erdenet in Orkhon Province, Mongolia, killing all 28 people on board.
On May 26, 1998, a Harbin Y-12 commuter plane operated by MIAT Mongolian Airlines went down near Erdenet in central Mongolia, resulting in the deaths of all 28 passengers and crew. The aircraft crashed into remote, forested terrain under poor weather conditions, complicating search and rescue operations. Among the victims were local residents traveling for business and family visits. While exact causes were never fully determined, investigators suggested that mechanical failure and pilot disorientation in low visibility likely contributed. The tragedy marked one of the deadliest air disasters in Mongolian history and prompted MIAT and aviation authorities to overhaul safety protocols. Enhanced training for mountainous route operations and improved weather monitoring were introduced in its aftermath. The crash underscored the challenges of civilian flight in Mongolia’s harsh and rugged landscape.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines
Harbin Y-12
crashes
Erdenet
Orkhon Province
2002day.year
The tugboat Robert Y. Love collides with a support pier of Interstate 40 on the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, resulting in 14 deaths and 11 others injured.
The tugboat Robert Y. Love strikes an Interstate 40 bridge support on the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, causing 14 fatalities and injuring 11 people.
On May 26, 2002, the towboat Robert Y. Love was maneuvering a barge on the Arkansas River when it collided with a support pier carrying Interstate 40 near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. The impact caused barges to break free, leading to multiple vessels capsizing and plunging occupants into the river. Fourteen people lost their lives in the disaster, and eleven others sustained serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board cited navigational error and insufficient channel markings as key factors. In response, safety protocols for river crossings and bridge lighting were enhanced nationwide. Towboat operators received updated training requirements, and maritime regulations were tightened. The accident remains one of the deadliest river transportation incidents in United States history.
2002
collides
Arkansas River
Webbers Falls, Oklahoma
2003day.year
Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines Flight 4230 crashes in the Turkish town of Maçka, killing 75.
Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines Flight 4230 crashes near Maçka, Turkey, resulting in the deaths of all 75 people on board.
On May 26, 2003, Flight 4230, an Ilyushin Il-76 cargo aircraft operated by Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines, crashed into mountainous terrain near Maçka in northeastern Turkey. The plane was carrying Ukrainian peacekeepers and supply equipment to Afghanistan when it encountered severe icing and turbulence. It descended rapidly, striking steep slopes that left no survivors among the 75 passengers and crew. Investigators pointed to adverse weather conditions, weight distribution challenges, and navigational difficulties as contributing factors. The crash prompted revisited protocols for flight planning in complex terrain and led to improved de-icing procedures. It remains one of the deadliest air disasters on Turkish soil. Subsequent military and civilian transport operators adopted stricter safety measures following the tragedy.
2003
Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines Flight 4230
Maçka
2008day.year
Severe flooding begins in eastern and southern China that will ultimately cause 148 deaths and force the evacuation of 1.3 million.
Severe flooding strikes eastern and southern China in May 2008, ultimately causing 148 fatalities and the evacuation of 1.3 million people.
In late May 2008, prolonged monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding across multiple provinces in eastern and southern China. Rivers and reservoirs overflowed, inundating farmland, homes, and critical infrastructure, including roads and power stations. The disaster claimed the lives of 148 people and displaced over 1.3 million residents from their communities. Emergency services and military units were mobilized to deliver relief aid, erect temporary shelters, and reinforce dikes. The Chinese government accelerated flood control projects, such as dam upgrades and improved reservoir management, in the aftermath. International aid organizations also contributed resources, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis. The 2008 floods remain a stark reminder of China’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
2008
Severe flooding