October 01

On October 1, 1890, the U.S. Congress created Yosemite National Park to preserve its unique landscapes. Conservationists like John Muir championed the protection of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. The legislation followed California’s earlier set-aside of Yosemite Valley in 1864. The park’s establishment signaled a growing national movement to safeguard natural wonders. Yosemite’s towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls have since drawn millions of visitors. As one of America’s earliest protected areas, it influenced the formation of future national parks. Its creation marked a milestone in the history of environmental conservation.

On the night of October 1, 2015, relentless downpours in Guatemala's mountainous San Marcos region caused a massive landslide. A wall of mud, rock, and debris swept through the remote village of El Cambray II, burying homes and vehicles under several meters of earth. Local authorities and rescue teams raced against time to search for survivors in unstable conditions. At least 280 people were confirmed dead, and dozens more were reported missing in the aftermath. The disaster exposed the vulnerability of hillside communities where deforestation and unplanned development had weakened the slopes. International aid organizations mobilized to provide emergency assistance, including shelter and medical care for survivors. The Guatemalan government announced plans to relocate residents away from high-risk areas and improve early warning systems. The tragedy highlighted the urgent need for sustainable land management and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.