The collapse of a five-story department store in Seoul, South Korea, on June 29, 1995, resulted in 502 deaths and 937 injuries, making it one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in history.... Read more »
A geographic area with a stable geological profile and climate resistant to extreme weather events presents a unique scenario. Such a location would theoretically be free from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornadoes,... Read more »
The Apollo 1 fire, occurring on January 27th, claimed the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee during a pre-launch test at Cape Canaveral. A cabin fire, fueled by... Read more »
India, due to its diverse geography and large population, is vulnerable to a range of calamitous events, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones, and landslides. These events can cause widespread damage to infrastructure,... Read more »
The 1948 aviation accident involving the destruction of a Bolivian DC-6 airliner carrying the Torino football team, known as “Il Grande Torino,” resulted in the tragic loss of 31 lives, including players,... Read more »
Recent catastrophic events caused by environmental forces range from powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to widespread flooding, devastating wildfires, and intense storms. These events often result in significant loss of life, widespread... Read more »
The state of Alaska faces unique challenges regarding critical incidents due to its remote location, vast size, diverse terrain, and susceptibility to various natural hazards. These hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis,... Read more »
Those who lived through the catastrophic coal tip collapse in the Welsh village of Aberfan on October 21, 1966, endured unimaginable trauma and loss. The disaster claimed 116 children and 28 adults,... Read more »
This applied research center develops, disseminates, and applies information technology-based disaster risk reduction tools and services. For instance, it provides geospatial information, risk and vulnerability assessments, and early warning systems to support... Read more »
The catastrophic explosion at the Pacific Engineering Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) plant on May 4, 1988, resulted from a fire involving ammonium perchlorate, the primary oxidizer used in solid rocket fuel.... Read more »