1138day.year
A massive earthquake strikes Aleppo; it is one of the most destructive earthquakes ever.
One of the most powerful earthquakes of the medieval era devastates Aleppo, causing widespread destruction and a high death toll.
In October 1138, a colossal earthquake struck the Syrian city of Aleppo, toppling buildings and crushing entire neighborhoods. Witnesses described walls crumbling and stones raining down through narrow streets. Continued aftershocks hampered rescue efforts and spread further panic. Contemporary chroniclers estimated tens of thousands of casualties, though exact figures remain uncertain. The disaster disrupted trade routes and undermined regional stability. Even centuries later, the 1138 Aleppo earthquake is remembered as one of the deadliest seismic events in the Levant.
1138
massive earthquake
Aleppo
1634day.year
The Burchardi flood kills around 15,000 in North Friesland, Denmark and Germany.
A catastrophic storm surge known as the Burchardi flood inundates North Friesland, causing around 15,000 fatalities.
On the night of October 11–12, 1634, a violent North Sea storm breached dikes along the coast of North Friesland, then part of Denmark and modern Germany. Surging waters rushed inland, submerging villages and isolating farmland. Contemporary reports estimate the death toll at approximately 15,000, making it one of the deadliest floods of the early modern era. The disaster destroyed homes, livestock, and the agricultural base of the region. In its aftermath, local communities rebuilt stronger flood defenses and improved dike systems. The Burchardi flood remains a stark reminder of the power of North Sea storms.
1634
Burchardi flood
1918day.year
The 7.1 Mw San Fermín earthquake shakes Puerto Rico. The quake and resulting tsunami kill up to 116 people.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake and resulting tsunami strike Puerto Rico, causing significant casualties and damage.
On October 11, 1918, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near San Fermín Bay in Puerto Rico.
The tremor generated a tsunami that battered coastal towns, amplifying the disaster's reach.
Up to 116 people lost their lives, and numerous homes and infrastructure were destroyed.
Port facilities and roads were heavily damaged, disrupting trade and daily life on the island.
Local and U.S. government response efforts struggled to reach remote affected areas.
The catastrophe highlighted the vulnerability of Caribbean regions to seismic events and tsunamis.
Recovery involved rebuilding communities and implementing improved disaster preparedness measures.
1918
Mw
San Fermín earthquake
1984day.year
Aeroflot Flight 3352 crashes into maintenance vehicles upon landing in Omsk, Russia, killing 178.
Aeroflot Flight 3352 collided with maintenance vehicles during its landing in Omsk, resulting in 178 fatalities.
On October 11, 1984, Aeroflot Flight 3352, a Tupolev Tu-154, was arriving at Omsk Airport when it collided with maintenance vehicles inadvertently left on the runway.
The collision destroyed an engine and damaged the left wing, causing the aircraft to lose lift and skid off the runway.
All 178 people on board were killed instantly.
Emergency crews faced harsh Siberian weather as they recovered wreckage at the airport.
The Soviet aviation authorities launched an investigation that led to stricter runway safety and ground control procedures across the airline network.
Aeroflot Flight 3352
1999day.year
Air Botswana pilot Chris Phatswe steals an ATR 42 from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and later crashes it into two other aircraft at the airport, killing himself.
An Air Botswana pilot commandeered and crashed a regional aircraft into two planes on the ground at Gaborone airport, resulting in his death.
On October 11, 1999, pilot Chris Phatswe of Air Botswana bypassed security checks and took control of an ATR 42 aircraft at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone.
After taking off without clearance, he made unauthorized low passes over the runway before deliberately crashing into two parked aircraft.
The impact destroyed both targeted planes and led to the pilot’s instantaneous death.
Airport authorities investigated the security breach and reviewed mental health screenings for flight crews.
The incident remains one of the most shocking aviation ground collisions in African aviation history.
1999
Air Botswana
ATR 42
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
crashes
2002day.year
A bomb attack in a Myyrmanni shopping mall in Vantaa, Finland kills seven.
A bomb detonated in the Myyrmanni shopping mall outside Helsinki, resulting in seven fatalities and numerous injuries.
On October 11, 2002, an explosive device went off in the crowded Myyrmanni shopping mall in Vantaa, Finland.
The blast occurred during peak hours, killing seven people and injuring over a dozen others.
Police later identified the perpetrator as a lone individual whose motives remain partly unclear.
The attack prompted Finland to strengthen security measures at public venues and malls nationwide.
Victims and their families were commemorated in memorial services that highlighted the need for vigilance even in peaceful societies.
2002
bomb attack
Myyrmanni shopping mall
Vantaa, Finland
2013day.year
A migrant boat sinks in the Channel of Sicily, with at least 359 people drowning.
An overcrowded vessel carrying migrants capsized off Sicily, resulting in the deaths of at least 359 people.
On October 11, 2013, a migrant boat carrying hundreds of refugees from North Africa capsized off the coast of Sicily.
Adverse weather and overcrowding caused the vessel to founder in the Mediterranean Sea.
Rescue operations by Italian authorities and NGOs recovered dozens of survivors but recovered 359 bodies.
The tragedy was one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the European migrant crisis.
It spurred renewed calls for coordinated search-and-rescue missions and safe migration pathways within the EU.
2013
sinks