The Failure Of Banqiao Dam
In 1975, the Banqiao Dam in China failed and affected 10.15 million people as well as 3 million acres of land in 30 cities. The dam’s collapse started a domino effect, with 62 other dams collapsing afterwards. Many of these dams had been built by the Chinese government together with the Soviet Union. Poor design caused the Banqiao Dam collapse. The governments behind them just focused on retaining water and overlooked another very important purpose of a dam: preventing a flood. According to the estimate of the Chinese government, 26,000 people died. However, this was a lie as the real death toll was between 85,600 and 240,000.
The Failure Of Banqiao Dam
Exxon Valdez Crashes Into A Reef
On March 24, 1989, Exxon Shipping Company’s oil tanker Exxon Valdez was going to Long Beach, California when it crashed into Alaska’s Bligh Reef, Prince William Sound. It resulted in an oil spill, and the amount of crude oil that got dumped into the ocean was 10.8 million gallons. This is still the worst oil spill of all time in terms of environmental damage. Exxon Shipping tried to put the blame on the third mate. However, an investigation revealed that the company was actually responsible. They did not maintain the crash-prevention radar (RAYCAS) as well as overloaded the crew, causing fatigue, which led to the mate improperly steering the vessel.
Exxon Valdez Crashes Into A Reef
