1896day.year
One of the deadliest tsunamis in Japan's history kills more than 22,000 people.
The 1896 Sanriku tsunami struck Japan’s northeast coast, claiming over 22,000 lives in one of the nation’s deadliest natural disasters.
Triggered by a powerful undersea earthquake offshore, huge waves crashed into the Sanriku coast without warning. Remote fishing villages were inundated, leaving little chance for escape. Wave heights exceeded 25 meters in some areas, sweeping homes, boats, and people out to sea. Rescue efforts were hampered by damaged roads and lack of communication. The disaster spurred improvements in Japan’s earthquake monitoring and early warning systems. Memorials along the coast honor those lost and serve as reminders of nature’s power.
1896
One of the deadliest tsunamis
1904day.year
A fire aboard the steamboat SS General Slocum in New York City's East River kills 1,000.
In 1904, a catastrophic fire aboard the SS General Slocum in New York’s East River resulted in the deaths of about 1,000 passengers.
The SS General Slocum was carrying mostly women and children on a church excursion when the fire broke out in the lower decks. Faulty and inaccessible life preservers, along with jammed lifeboat mechanisms, hampered rescue efforts. Panic spread as smoke filled the cabins and decks. Nearby tugs and ships managed to save only a fraction of those on board. The tragedy devastated immigrant German communities on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Public outrage led to stricter maritime safety regulations, improved life-saving equipment standards, and regular drills on passenger vessels.
1904
SS General Slocum
East River
1972day.year
Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z is destroyed by a bomb over Pleiku, Vietnam (then South Vietnam) and kills 81 people.
Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z is destroyed by a bomb over Pleiku, Vietnam, killing all 81 people on board.
On June 15, 1972, Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z departed from Bangkok en route to Hong Kong when a bomb detonated in the cargo hold over Pleiku.
The explosion caused the aircraft to break apart midair, offering no chance of survival for its passengers and crew.
Although no group officially claimed responsibility, the attack highlighted vulnerabilities in aviation security during wartime.
Investigations led to tightened airport screening procedures and stricter cargo inspections worldwide.
Memorial services were later held for the victims, prompting international calls for improved anti-terrorism measures.
Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z
Pleiku
South Vietnam
1991day.year
In the Philippines, Mount Pinatubo erupts in the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, killing over 800 people.
Mount Pinatubo erupts in the Philippines in one of the 20th century's largest volcanic explosions, killing over 800 people.
On June 15, 1991, Mount Pinatubo unleashed a massive eruption that became the second-largest of the 20th century.
The eruption propelled ash and sulfur dioxide high into the stratosphere, causing measurable global cooling.
Pyroclastic flows and deadly lahars devastated nearby communities and agriculture.
Over 800 lives were lost, and tens of thousands were displaced by ashfall and floodwaters.
This disaster spurred major advances in volcano monitoring, early warning systems, and evacuation planning.
Its climatic effects lingered for years, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of volcanic events.
1991
Mount Pinatubo
second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century