1867day.year
A magnitude 7.0 earthquakes strikes off the coast of Taiwan, triggering a tsunami and killing at least 580 people.
On December 18, 1867, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan, triggering a tsunami that claimed at least 580 lives.
On December 18, 1867, a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the coastal waters near Taiwan.
The seismic event generated a devastating tsunami that swept onto nearby shores, causing widespread destruction.
At least 580 people lost their lives as homes and villages were inundated by the colossal waves.
Eyewitness accounts described buildings collapsing and rescue efforts hampered by aftershocks and flooding.
Local communities faced long-term challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring normal life.
The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions to seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
1867
magnitude 7.0 earthquakes
Taiwan
tsunami
1957day.year
A violent F5 tornado wipes out the entire community of Sunfield, Illinois.
A powerful F5 tornado obliterated the small community of Sunfield, Illinois on this day in 1957, leaving total devastation in its wake.
On December 18, 1957, a violent F5 tornado tore through Sunfield, Illinois, reducing the rural settlement to rubble.
The tornado's extreme winds, exceeding 261 mph, demolished homes, barns, and farmland within moments.
Witnesses recalled a roaring sound like a passing freight train as the funnel cloud touched down.
Remarkably, due to timely warnings and the town's small population, there were no reported fatalities.
However, the community’s buildings and infrastructure were destroyed, forcing residents to abandon the site permanently.
Today, Sunfield is remembered only by foundations and overgrown pathways marking its former streets.
1957
violent F5 tornado
1977day.year
United Airlines Flight 2860 crashes near Kaysville, Utah, killing all three crew members on board.
United Airlines Flight 2860 crashed near Kaysville, Utah on this day in 1977, tragically killing all three crew members onboard.
On December 18, 1977, United Airlines Flight 2860, a cargo Douglas DC-8, crashed into a mountainside near Kaysville, Utah, during its approach to Salt Lake City.
All three crew members aboard were killed instantly, with no survivors recovered from the wreckage.
Severe snow, low visibility, and turbulent winds complicated the final descent through mountainous terrain.
Investigators cited possible navigational errors and crew miscommunication in challenging weather conditions.
The accident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to revise approach procedures and enhance cockpit instrumentation.
A memorial near the crash site honors the flight crew's sacrifice and service.
1977
United Airlines Flight 2860
Kaysville, Utah
1977day.year
SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730 crashes near Madeira Airport in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, killing 36.
SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730 crashed near Madeira Airport, Portugal on this day in 1977, resulting in 36 fatalities.
On December 18, 1977, SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730, a charter flight from Zurich, met disaster on its final approach to Madeira Airport in Funchal.
Strong crosswinds and unpredictable turbulence in the island’s coastal mountains caused the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 to lose control and impact terrain.
All 36 passengers and crew onboard perished, making it one of Portugal's deadliest aviation accidents.
The challenging approach over cliffs and ocean highlighted the need for specialized pilot training and improved guidance systems.
Subsequent safety upgrades included enhanced instrument landing systems and stricter approach protocols at the airport.
Flight 730 remains a solemn reminder of the perils of air travel in extreme weather conditions.
SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730
Madeira Airport
Funchal
Madeira
Portugal
1995day.year
A Lockheed L-188 Electra crashes in Jamba, Cuando Cubango, Angola, killing 141 people.
A Lockheed L-188 Electra crashes near Jamba, Angola, resulting in 141 deaths.
On December 18, 1995, a Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop aircraft crashed near Jamba in the remote Cuando Cubango province of Angola. The flight was carrying passengers and crew, and contact was lost shortly before landing. All 141 people on board were killed, marking one of the deadliest accidents involving the Electra model. The crash highlighted the challenges of aviation safety amid Angola's post-war recovery. Limited infrastructure and difficult terrain complicated rescue and investigation efforts. Local authorities and international experts worked to uncover the cause, but details remained scarce.
1995
Lockheed L-188 Electra
crashes
Jamba, Cuando Cubango
Angola
2006day.year
The first of a series of floods strikes Malaysia. The death toll of all flooding is at least 118, with over 400,000 people displaced.
A series of devastating floods hits Malaysia, displacing over 400,000 people and causing at least 118 fatalities.
In December 2006, heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding across Malaysia, affecting multiple states including Johor, Pahang, and Kelantan. Rivers overflowed, inundating towns and villages and forcing over 400,000 residents to seek refuge. At least 118 people lost their lives, while many more were injured or reported missing. Damaged infrastructure included washed-out roads, bridges, and submerged homes. Malaysian authorities, supported by military and volunteer teams, conducted large-scale rescue and relief operations. The floods exposed vulnerabilities in the nation's flood management systems and prompted reviews of dam operations and urban drainage planning.
2006
series of floods
Malaysia
2017day.year
Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501, derailed near DuPont, Washington, a city in United States near Olympia, Washington killing six people, and injuring 70 others.
Amtrak Cascades train 501 derails near DuPont, Washington, resulting in six fatalities and over 70 injuries.
On December 18, 2017, Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501 derailed on a sharp curve near DuPont, Washington, while en route to Portland, Oregon. Investigations revealed the train was traveling at more than twice the posted speed limit for the section, causing several cars to overturn. Six passengers lost their lives, and over 70 were injured, with many suffering serious trauma. Emergency responders from local fire departments, police, and medical teams conducted rescue operations in challenging winter conditions. The National Transportation Safety Board cited excessive speed and gaps in signaling systems as primary factors. The accident accelerated the implementation of Positive Train Control technology to enhance rail safety in the Pacific Northwest.
2017
Amtrak Cascades
derailed
DuPont, Washington
Olympia, Washington