November 26

On November 26, 1852, a powerful undersea earthquake registering up to magnitude 8.8 occurred in the Banda Sea. The seismic event triggered a destructive tsunami that swept across nearby islands and coastal settlements. Villages in the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia) suffered extensive damage as waves inundated homes and infrastructure. Historical records report at least 60 fatalities, though the true toll may have been higher due to limited documentation. The 1852 Banda Sea earthquake remains one of the largest seismic events recorded in the region and highlights Indonesia’s vulnerability to tsunamis.

HMS Bulwark, a King Edward VII-class battleship of the Royal Navy, was at anchor in the Thames estuary when a sudden internal explosion ripped through her magazines. The blast was so powerful that it shattered the hull and sent debris flying onto the shore at Sheerness. An inquiry attributed the disaster to a probable accidental ignition of cordite charges. Out of a crew of over 700, only a handful survived. The tragedy highlighted dangers of early 20th-century naval munitions and led to reviews of ammunition storage procedures. Memorials were erected to honor the fallen sailors. The incident remains one of the Royal Navy’s worst peacetime losses.

On November 26, 1979, Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740, a Boeing 707, plunged from the sky shortly after departing Riyadh, crashing near Taif in Saudi Arabia's Mecca Province. All 156 passengers and crew perished, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the era. Investigators suspected an in-flight fire may have broken out before the aircraft descended uncontrollably. The tragedy prompted PIA and global carriers to enhance fire safety protocols and refine emergency procedures in the cockpit. Lessons learned from the disaster contributed to stricter regulations on hazardous materials and improved crew training to better handle onboard emergencies.

On November 26, 1998, a catastrophic collision occurred near Khanna in Punjab’s Ludhiana district when a passenger train was struck by an oncoming express service. The impact led to the deaths of 212 passengers and left many more injured, marking it as one of India's deadliest rail accidents. Preliminary investigations cited a signal failure compounded by human error as key factors. Rescue efforts involved local residents, emergency services, and the Indian Army working through challenging conditions to extricate survivors from the wreckage. The tragedy prompted Indian Railways to upgrade signaling technology, enhance staff training, and implement stricter safety regulations. Memorials at the crash site honor the victims and stand as a reminder of the ongoing need for rigorous transport safety standards.

On November 26, 1999, the island nation of Vanuatu was rocked by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake centered near Ambrym Island. The tremor generated a destructive tsunami that swept across coastal villages, resulting in 10 fatalities and injuring at least 40 residents. Wooden homes and community buildings were severely damaged or destroyed, isolating many remote communities. Emergency response teams faced challenges due to damaged infrastructure and disrupted communications. International aid organizations and neighboring Pacific nations quickly mobilized to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance. The disaster underscored Vanuatu's vulnerability to seismic events and spurred investments in early warning systems, community preparedness training, and resilient construction practices.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck western Albania on November 26, 2019, causing widespread devastation. The quake killed at least 52 people and injured over 1,000, making it the deadliest earthquake in the country in 99 years. It destroyed thousands of homes and damaged historic buildings in Durrës, Tirana, and surrounding towns. Emergency responders and international teams rushed to the region to provide medical aid and shelter. The disaster prompted a national state of emergency and highlighted the need for improved seismic resilience. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing as communities work to rebuild and commemorate the victims.