Jun 6, 2023, 11:20 PM IST
The Banqiao Dam failure is considered the deadliest dam disaster in history. Heavy rainfall caused the dam to collapse, leading to a catastrophic flood. The estimated death toll ranges from 26,000 to 171,000, with millions of people affected.
The Teton Dam in Idaho failed just two years after its completion. A design flaw and heavy rainfall caused the dam to collapse, releasing a massive amount of water downstream. Fourteen people died, and the flood caused extensive property damage.
Located in California, St. Francis Dam collapsed due to design and construction flaws. The failure released a wall of water that travelled down the Santa Clara River, resulting in the death of over 400 people.
A massive landslide triggered by construction activities and geological instability caused the collapse of the Vajont Dam. A massive wave of water overtopped the dam and caused a devastating flood. Approximately 2,000 people lost their lives.
Due to heavy rainfall and improper design, the Machchu II Dam in Gujarat, India, burst, resulting in a catastrophic flood. The torrential flow destroyed villages, claiming the lives of over 2,000 people.
Located in southern France, the Malpasset Dam failed due to a combination of design errors, construction issues, and heavy rain. The resulting flood killed around 420 people and caused significant property damage.
In Los Angeles, California, the Baldwin Hills Reservoir experienced a catastrophic failure due to geological instability and inadequate maintenance. The resulting flood killed five people and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
A tailings dam in Val di Stava, Italy, collapsed due to a combination of factors, including poor design, inadequate monitoring, and heavy rainfall. The disaster resulted in the death of 268 people and caused widespread environmental damage.