When considering the great disasters of history, we often focus on those that are naturally occurring, such as hurricanes, and fail to recognize the man mad disasters and the destruction they cause. If you doubt the destruction that mankind can cause, take a look at the top 5 man-made disasters.
Kuwait Oil Fires
During the Gulf War Saddam Hussein and his men set fire to the Kuwait oil fields as he and his men left the city. The entire city of Kuwait was rocked as clouds of thick black smoke blocked out the sun. The smoke clouds were so large that you could see them from space. These clouds were full of carcinogens that were a direct downfall for the health of citizens in Kuwait for years afterward.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
This 2010 tragedy took place after an oil drilling rig exploded and sank. Days later scientists discovered that an oil pipeline was damaged and leaking at an alarming rate. By the time it was capped, the pipeline had spilled 3.19 barrels of oil just miles off the coast of Louisiana. Though scientists made great effort to contain and clean the oil spill, the 2010 summer economy for southern coastal cities was almost completely destroyed.
The Love Canal Tragedy
The Love Canal was meant to be a wonderful new answer to inexpensive electricity of a dream planned community not far from Niagara Falls, however it was usurped mid-construction by a cheaper, and more reasonable alternative to transfer electricity over long distances. The canal dig turned into a toxic waste dump for several different companies over the years until it was full to bursting, covered with dirt and sold to the state of New York for a dollar.
After several peaceful years with nothing notable except a high number of birth defects and miscarriages, the community experienced a record level of rainfall which brought the chemicals and drums bubbling up to the surface. The quiet community was rocked as puddles of chemicals formed in their houses and filled their yards. This tragedy injured hundreds of people, and caused life long health challenges including a high chance of developing Leukemia. The entire community was eventually evacuated, and the Government purchased the homes so as not to cause total financial ruin.
The Killer Fog
In December of 1952, London woke up to the most horrific air pollution they had ever known. A high inversion settled over the city trapping in all of the carcinogens, and pollutants in a concentrated bubble over London. The killer fog lasted only 5 days, but it was long enough for pneumonia to set in. Babies, the elderly, and those with respiratory complications were at a greater risk than ever. It’s estimated that 4,000 people died due to complications from London’s killer fog.
Chernobyl
This infamous disaster was the result of a faulty nuclear reactor, and poorly trained engineers at the Chernobyl power plant. A steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the reactor’s radiation. Two workers died in the accident and there were 127 confirmed cases of Acute Radiation Syndrome. 27 people with Acute Radiation Syndrome died within weeks of the accident.
Many children near the incident developed thyroid cancer and the land around the reactor was totally unsafe until 2011 when scientists deemed it safe enough for short tourist visits.
Related Resource: Man-Made Disasters: Our Own Fault
These horrific events in human history had far reaching consequences. Hopefully, as a species, we can learn from our mistakes and prevent adding to this list of man made disasters.