Flood of 1889
The Flood of 1889, also known as the Johnstown Flood, occurred on May 31, 1889, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It was caused by the failure of the South Fork Dam, which released a massive volume of water after heavy rainfall. The floodwaters surged down the Conemaugh River, devastating the town and surrounding areas.
The disaster resulted in the deaths of over 2,200 people and caused extensive property damage, with entire neighborhoods swept away. In response, the flood prompted changes in dam safety regulations and disaster response efforts across the United States, highlighting the need for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness.