Today in History - 26th December
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Today in History - 26th December26th December 2004 - Tsunami causes devastation across the Indian Ocean21 years ago today, on 26 December 2004, a massive undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered the Boxing Day Tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. The magnitude 9.2 quake struck off the coast of Sumatra, sending towering waves across the region within hours. The tsunami devastated coastal communities in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and numerous other countries, with waves reaching heights of over 30 metres in some areas. Entire towns were destroyed, and infrastructure was overwhelmed, leaving millions homeless. An estimated 230,000 people were killed across 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest disasters of the modern era. Many victims had little or no warning, as the Indian Ocean region lacked a tsunami early-warning system at the time. In the aftermath, a massive international relief effort was launched, and governments pledged billions in aid. The disaster led directly to the creation of improved tsunami warning systems in the Indian Ocean and reshaped global approaches to disaster preparedness and humanitarian response. Like what you read - Why not share this link and tell your friends to subscribe? |
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Today in History - 28th December 28th December 1832 - John C. Calhoun becomes first person to resign from US Vice Presidency John C. Calhoun 193 years ago today, John C. Calhoun resigned as Vice President of the United States, becoming the first person to ever step down from that office. At the time, the U.S. Constitution provided no mechanism to replace a resigning vice president, so the position remained vacant. A photograph of John C. Calhoun Calhoun resigned amid the Nullification Crisis,...
Today in History - 27th December 27th December 537 - Hagia Sophia consecrated as a church Hagia Sophia 1,488 years ago today, Hagia Sophia was formally consecrated in Constantinople by Emperor Justinian I, marking the completion of one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world. Built in just five years, the vast basilica was intended to serve as the spiritual heart of the Byzantine Empire. Hagia Sophia in the 6th century Designed by the mathematicians Anthemius of...
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