1716day.year
The 1716 Algiers earthquake sequence began with an Mw 7.0 mainshock that caused severe damage and killed 20,000 in Algeria.
A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near Algiers in 1716, unleashing widespread devastation and claiming around 20,000 lives.
On February 3, 1716, a major seismic event struck the coast of Algeria with an estimated magnitude of 7.0. The quake leveled buildings across Algiers and nearby settlements, reducing historic structures to rubble. Contemporary accounts describe panicked residents fleeing into the streets as aftershocks rocked the region for days. The estimated death toll of 20,000 makes this one of the deadliest earthquakes in North African history. Rescue efforts were hampered by collapsed roads and continuing tremors, prolonging the crisis for survivors. This catastrophe left a lasting impact on Ottoman Algeria, shaping future approaches to urban planning and seismic preparedness.
1716
1716 Algiers earthquake
1916day.year
The Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada burns down with the loss of seven lives.
A fire destroys Ottawa's Centre Block in 1916, killing seven people and halting Canadian Parliament proceedings.
In 1916, a devastating fire engulfed the Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, claiming seven lives.
The blaze broke out in the evening hours and quickly spread through the wooden interiors of the historic Gothic Revival building.
Parliamentary sessions were suspended as firefighters battled the inferno, eventually reducing much of the structure to charred ruins.
The disaster prompted a nationwide outpouring of support and led to the reconstruction of a new Centre Block featuring advanced fireproofing.
The rebuilt chambers, including the iconic Peace Tower, stand today as symbols of Canadian resilience and democratic continuity.
1916
Centre Block
Parliament
Ottawa, Ontario
1931day.year
The Hawke's Bay earthquake, New Zealand's worst natural disaster, kills 258.
The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake in New Zealand kills 258, making it the country's worst natural disaster.
In 1931, the Hawke's Bay earthquake struck New Zealand's east coast, claiming 258 lives.
With a magnitude of 7.8, it remains the deadliest seismic event in the country's history.
Tremors devastated the cities of Napier and Hastings, flattening buildings and triggering fires.
The disaster led to a vigorous rebuilding effort, introducing modern Art Deco architecture to the region.
Lessons from Hawke's Bay shaped New Zealand's future earthquake preparedness and building standards.
1931
Hawke's Bay earthquake
1943day.year
The SS Dorchester is sunk by a German U-boat. Only 230 of 902 men aboard survive.
German U-boat sinks the SS Dorchester in 1943, resulting in only 230 survivors among 902 men aboard.
In 1943, the troopship SS Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic, sinking within minutes.
Of the 902 men aboard, only 230 survived the icy waters, marking one of the war's deadliest naval tragedies.
The ship had been transporting U.S. servicemen to Greenland when it was attacked without warning.
Among the survivors were four Army chaplains who gave up their life jackets, becoming symbols of selfless sacrifice.
The sinking of the Dorchester highlighted the perilous nature of transatlantic convoys during World War II.
1943
SS Dorchester
1959day.year
Sixty-five people are killed when American Airlines Flight 320 crashes into the East River on approach to LaGuardia Airport in New York City.
American Airlines Flight 320 crashes into New York's East River while approaching LaGuardia, resulting in 65 fatalities.
On February 3, 1959, American Airlines Flight 320, a Lockheed L-188 Electra, approached LaGuardia Airport in poor visibility. During descent, the aircraft descended below the proper glide path and struck the surface of the East River. Rescue boats scrambled to the scene, but frigid waters and limited survival time led to 65 confirmed deaths. Investigators cited pilot misjudgment and inadequate instrument landing procedures as key factors. The accident prompted immediate revisions to approach lighting systems and crew training for water landings. Regulations were tightened for instrument approaches at busy urban airports. The disaster highlighted the perils of early turboprop airliners operating in challenging weather conditions. Families of the victims lobbied for improved safety measures that would shape future aviation standards.
American Airlines Flight 320
East River
LaGuardia Airport
New York City
1972day.year
The first day of the seven-day 1972 Iran blizzard, which would kill at least 4,000 people, making it the deadliest snowstorm in history.
A weeklong blizzard in Iran began, killing more than 4,000 people and becoming the deadliest snowstorm in history.
On February 3, 1972, a catastrophic blizzard struck northwest Iran, initiating a seven-day storm that brought record snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.
Remote towns and villages were engulfed under snowdrifts up to 8 meters high, cutting off communication and isolating residents.
Rescue efforts were hampered by blocked roads and extreme weather conditions, delaying relief for days.
Local and provincial authorities mobilized military helicopters and snowplows to airlift survivors and deliver supplies.
Despite heroic efforts, the official death toll exceeded 4,000, making it the deadliest snowstorm in recorded history.
The disaster prompted improvements in Iran’s meteorological forecasting and emergency response protocols to mitigate future winter catastrophes.
1972
1972 Iran blizzard
deadliest snowstorm in history
1998day.year
Cavalese cable car disaster: A United States military pilot causes the death of 20 people when his low-flying plane cuts the cable of a cable-car near Trento, Italy.
A U.S. military jet cut a cable car cable over Cavalese, Italy, causing 20 deaths in a tragic accident.
On February 3, 1998, a U.S. Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler flying too low severed a cable car cable over the valley of Cavalese in Northern Italy.
The cable car plunged approximately 80 meters into the valley below, resulting in the deaths of all 20 passengers on board.
The tragic accident sparked international outrage and scrutiny of U.S. military flight operations in foreign airspace.
Italian authorities launched a criminal investigation, and the incident strained U.S.-Italy relations, leading to legal and diplomatic consequences.
The disaster prompted reviews of training protocols and flight regulations to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Memorials in Cavalese honor the victims and serve as a sober reminder of the risks posed by military training near civilian areas.
1998
Cavalese cable car disaster
Trento
2005day.year
One hundred five people are killed when Kam Air Flight 904 crashes in the Pamir Mountains in Afghanistan.
Kam Air Flight 904 crashed into Afghanistan’s Pamir Mountains, killing all 105 passengers and crew.
On February 3, 2005, Kam Air Flight 904, a scheduled domestic flight in Afghanistan, crashed into the remote Pamir Mountains during ascent.
The Boeing 737-200 encountered poor visibility and severe weather, colliding with mountainous terrain soon after takeoff.
All 105 passengers and crew perished, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Afghanistan’s history.
Search and rescue operations were hampered by rugged landscape and extreme weather conditions, delaying recovery efforts.
Investigations cited navigational errors and inadequate weather reporting as key factors in the tragedy.
The crash underscored the challenges of operating commercial flights in Afghanistan’s high-altitude, harsh environment.
2005
Kam Air Flight 904
Pamir Mountains
2023day.year
2023 Ohio train derailment: A freight train containing vinyl chloride and other hazardous materials derails and burns in East Palestine, Ohio, United States, releasing hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air and contaminating the Ohio River.
On February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying vinyl chloride derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
On February 3, 2023, a freight train transporting vinyl chloride and other hazardous materials derailed near East Palestine, Ohio.
The derailment sparked a massive fire that burned several tank cars, sending plumes of hydrogen chloride and phosgene gas into the air.
Local authorities issued shelter-in-place orders and began evacuations to protect residents from toxic exposure.
Environmental agencies monitored air and water quality amid concerns about chemical runoff.
Elevated levels of hazardous substances were detected in nearby waterways, including the Ohio River.
The incident reignited debates over rail safety regulations, hazardous cargo routing, and emergency response planning.
Cleanup efforts continued for weeks as crews worked to contain and remove contaminated soil and water.
2023
2023 Ohio train derailment
vinyl chloride
East Palestine, Ohio
hydrogen chloride
phosgene
Ohio River