1120day.year
The White Ship sinks in the English Channel, drowning William Adelin, son and heir of Henry I of England.
In 1120, the White Ship sank in the English Channel, resulting in the death of William Adelin, heir to King Henry I of England.
In 1120, the White Ship, carrying William Adelin and other nobles, struck a submerged rock off the Normandy coast.
The tragedy occurred near Barfleur in calm weather but was worsened by overcrowding and intoxicated crew and passengers.
Only one known survivor escaped, leaving King Henry I without his primary heir.
This disaster led to a succession crisis and ultimately the period of civil war known as The Anarchy.
The sinking of the White Ship remains one of medieval England's most momentous maritime tragedies.
1120
White Ship
English Channel
William Adelin
Henry I of England
1343day.year
A tsunami, caused by an earthquake in the Tyrrhenian Sea, devastates Naples and the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, among other places.
In 1343, a tsunami triggered by a Tyrrhenian Sea earthquake devastated coastal regions including Naples and Amalfi.
On November 25, 1343, a powerful earthquake struck the Tyrrhenian Sea, generating tsunami waves that swept across coastal towns.
Piercing tremors were followed by sudden sea surges that inundated Naples, Amalfi, and nearby settlements.
Historical records describe significant loss of life, destruction of ships, and collapse of waterfront structures.
The disaster disrupted maritime trade and weakened the fortunes of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
This event remains one of the earliest recorded Mediterranean tsunamis with wide-reaching consequences.
1343
tsunami
earthquake
Tyrrhenian Sea
Naples
Maritime Republic of Amalfi
1667day.year
A deadly earthquake rocks Shemakha in the Caucasus, killing 80,000 people.
A catastrophic earthquake struck Shemakha in the Caucasus in 1667, claiming around 80,000 lives.
In 1667, the city of Shemakha (now Shamakhi, Azerbaijan) was devastated by one of the deadliest earthquakes in the Caucasus region. The tremor flattened much of the city and surrounding villages, trapping residents beneath rubble. Contemporary accounts estimate that approximately 80,000 people perished in the disaster. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ruins, and survivors faced displacement and famine in the aftermath. Rescue efforts were hampered by the region's rugged terrain and lack of organized relief. The catastrophe had lasting social and economic impacts on the Safavid Persian Empire, which struggled to rebuild the affected areas.
1667
earthquake
Shemakha
Caucasus
1759day.year
An earthquake hits the Mediterranean destroying Beirut and Damascus and killing 30,000–40,000.
A devastating 1759 Mediterranean earthquake razed Beirut and parts of Damascus, causing an estimated 30,000–40,000 fatalities.
In 1759, a powerful earthquake struck the eastern Mediterranean, causing widespread destruction in Beirut and Damascus. Contemporary estimates place the death toll between 30,000 and 40,000, with entire districts reduced to rubble. The shockwaves and ensuing aftershocks hindered rescue operations and compounded the human toll. In Beirut, collapsed buildings blocked the harbor, crippling maritime trade. In Damascus, the quake damaged historic mosques, markets, and residential quarters. Ottoman authorities initiated reconstruction efforts and introduced early seismic-resistant building practices. This disaster remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in Levantine history and highlights the region's vulnerability to seismic events.
1759
earthquake
Beirut
Damascus
1833day.year
A massive undersea earthquake, estimated magnitude between 8.7 and 9.2, rocks Sumatra, producing a massive tsunami all along the Indonesian coast.
A massive undersea earthquake in 1833 off Sumatra generated a destructive tsunami that swept the Indonesian coastline.
In the early hours of November 25, 1833, a massive undersea earthquake off Sumatra, estimated at magnitude 8.7 to 9.2, generated a devastating tsunami along the Indonesian coast. Coastal communities from Aceh to Bengkulu were inundated by waves exceeding 10 meters, demolishing homes and infrastructure. Exact casualty figures are unknown, but contemporary reports describe entire villages wiped out by the sea. The disaster prompted the Dutch colonial administration to investigate the phenomenon, making some of the first systematic studies of tsunamigenic earthquakes. Findings from these early studies informed the nascent science of seismology and tsunami awareness. The 1833 event remains a seminal case in understanding the risks posed by submarine earthquakes in the Indian Ocean. Memorials in affected towns pay tribute to the lives lost and the lessons learned for modern hazard assessments.
1833
earthquake
Sumatra
tsunami
1839day.year
A cyclone slams into south-eastern India. An estimated 300,000 deaths resulted from the disaster.
A devastating cyclone struck southeastern India in 1839, resulting in an estimated 300,000 fatalities.
On November 25, 1839, a catastrophic cyclone struck the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India, unleashing fierce winds and a storm surge that obliterated coastal settlements. British East India Company records estimate the death toll at around 300,000, making it one of the deadliest cyclones on record. The storm destroyed rice fields, blocked maritime routes, and triggered widespread famine in its wake. Relief efforts were hampered by the absence of an early warning system and limited colonial resources. The calamity spurred the introduction of rudimentary meteorological observations and laid the groundwork for later storm warning services in the region. The 1839 cyclone highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster management and monitoring techniques. Modern meteorologists study this event when assessing the historical cyclone risk in the Bay of Bengal.
1839
cyclone
1908day.year
A fire breaks out on SS Sardinia as it leaves Malta's Grand Harbour, resulting in the ship's grounding and the deaths of at least 118 people.
A fire on the passenger liner SS Sardinia as it left Malta's Grand Harbour on November 25, 1908, led to the grounding of the ship and at least 118 fatalities.
Departing Malta's Grand Harbour on November 25, 1908, the SS Sardinia caught fire for unknown reasons.
Flames quickly engulfed the wooden superstructure, sparking panic among passengers and crew.
Authorities grounded the ship ashore to prevent sinking and facilitate evacuations.
Despite rescue efforts, at least 118 people perished from fire, smoke inhalation, or drowning.
The disaster prompted calls for stronger fire safety regulations on passenger vessels.
It remains one of the deadliest maritime accidents in Maltese history.
1908
SS Sardinia
Grand Harbour
1926day.year
The deadliest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history kills 76 people and injures more than 400.
On November 25, 1926, a series of violent tornadoes ripped through multiple states, causing widespread destruction.
On November 25, 1926, a series of violent tornadoes ripped through multiple states, causing widespread destruction. The outbreak claimed 76 lives and left over 400 people injured across rural and urban communities. Entire towns and farmland areas were leveled by the powerful winds, leaving citizens struggling amid the ruins. Meteorological forecasting was rudimentary at the time, leaving many with little or no warning before the storms struck. Local volunteers, relief agencies, and neighbors worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and distribute essential supplies. The disaster remains the deadliest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history and a somber milestone in American meteorological records. It spurred future efforts to enhance severe weather detection and public warning systems.
1926
tornado outbreak
1950day.year
The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 impacts 22 American states, killing 353 people, injuring over 160, and causing US$66.7 million in damages (1950 dollars).
The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 kills 353 people and injures over 160 across 22 states, causing extensive damage.
On November 25, 1950, a powerful nor'easter known as the Great Appalachian Storm unleashed heavy snow, gale-force winds, and freezing rain across 22 U.S. states. The storm claimed 353 lives and injured more than 160 individuals caught in treacherous conditions. Countless communities faced power outages, collapsed roofs, and impassable roads under massive ice and snow accumulation. Rescue crews and local volunteers performed daring operations to reach stranded residents and deliver vital supplies. The estimated economic losses totaled $66.7 million in 1950 dollars, reflecting the storm's severe impact on infrastructure and agriculture. The disaster prompted improvements in winter storm forecasting and emergency response coordination. To this day, the Great Appalachian Storm remains one of the most destructive winter events in American meteorological history.
1950
Great Appalachian Storm of 1950
1987day.year
Typhoon Nina pummels the Philippines with category 5 winds of 265 km/h (165 mph) and a surge that destroys entire villages. At least 1,036 deaths are attributed to the storm.
On November 25, 1987, Typhoon Nina struck the Philippines with category 5 winds and a massive storm surge, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
Typhoon Nina, one of the strongest storms of the 1987 Pacific typhoon season, made landfall in the central Philippines on November 25. It brought sustained winds of up to 265 km/h (165 mph) and a storm surge that inundated coastal villages. The combination of wind damage and flooding destroyed entire communities and infrastructure. Rescue and relief efforts were hampered by damaged roads and communications. The official death toll exceeded 1,036, though unconfirmed reports suggest higher numbers. The disaster prompted improvements in early warning systems and disaster preparedness in the Philippines. Nina's impact remains a sobering example of the destruction that powerful tropical cyclones can inflict.
1987
Typhoon Nina
Philippines
category 5 winds
2000day.year
The 2000 Baku earthquake, with a Richter magnitude of 7.0, leaves 26 people dead in Baku, Azerbaijan, and becomes the strongest earthquake in the region in 158 years.
On November 25, 2000, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Baku, Azerbaijan, killing 26 people and marking the region's strongest quake in over 150 years.
The 2000 Baku earthquake occurred at 2:06 AM local time on November 25, with a Richter magnitude of 7.0. It struck near the capital city of Baku, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Twenty-six people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured or left homeless. The tremor was the most powerful recorded in the Caucasus region in approximately 158 years. Rescue teams and international aid agencies responded to assist survivors and assess structural damage. The quake prompted a review of building codes and disaster response protocols in Azerbaijan. It underscored the region's vulnerability to seismic events along the Caspian Sea.
2000
2000 Baku earthquake
Baku
Azerbaijan
2008day.year
Cyclone Nisha strikes northern Sri Lanka, killing 15 people and displacing 90,000 others while dealing the region the highest rainfall in nine decades.
In November 2008, Cyclone Nisha unleashed record rainfall on northern Sri Lanka, killing 15 people and displacing 90,000 residents.
Cyclone Nisha formed in the Bay of Bengal and made landfall in northern Sri Lanka on November 25, 2008. The storm brought unprecedented rainfall, breaking nine-decade-old precipitation records. Flooding and landslides destroyed homes, roads, and agricultural land across multiple districts. At least 15 fatalities were reported, and nearly 90,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Relief agencies deployed resources to provide shelter, clean water, and medical care to the affected population. The disaster highlighted gaps in infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the region. Sri Lankan authorities later implemented improved flood management and early warning systems in response to Nisha.
2008
Cyclone Nisha
Sri Lanka