Learn Our History Today: On May 31, the Johnstown Flood occurred near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On May 31, 1889, following more than 6 inches of rain in 24 hours, the South Fork Dam, located 14 miles upstream from the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, suffered a catastrophic failure. This failure sent more than 4.8 billion gallons of water rushing toward Johnstown. As this massive wall of water was seen rushing towards town, many townspeople tried in vain to reach Johnstown’s few tall buildings, but since a majority of the buildings were no more than two stories, devastation ensued. Buildings were destroyed and swept away. Trains were pulled off their tracks and swept up in the raging water. A bridge on the outskirts of town that had been collecting debris suddenly caught fire, killing many people who were floating atop the wreckage. In all, the devastating Johnstown flood killed more than 2,200 people, a number similar to September Eleventh, and caused $17 million in damages. Following the flood, the men and women of the brand new American Red Cross provided support to the victims in the first disaster relief effort ever staged by the organization.
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 22:32:35 +0000
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