What happened here?
The Vajont Dam disaster is one of the most tragic engineering failures in history. On October 9, 1963, a massive landslide from Monte Toc fell into the reservoir, causing water to overflow the dam. The resulting wave destroyed villages in the Piave Valley and killed approximately 2,000 people. Although the dam itself remained intact, the disaster highlighted deficiencies in geological surveys and planning. The tragedy led to a reevaluation of safety standards for dam construction worldwide.
Learn more about this event
The Devastation Brought by Monte Toc
On the night of October 9, 1963, the residents of the villages in the Piave Valley were preparing for sleep, unaware that their lives were about to be turned upside down. Above them loomed the Vajont Dam, considered a technical marvel of its time. However, a threat lurked in Monte Toc, where masses of earth had been accumulating over time. Geologists had warned of a potential landslide, but their concerns were underestimated.
Around 10:39 PM, a massive volume of earth, approximately 260 million cubic meters, collapsed into the reservoir. This sudden event caused a gigantic wave that surged over the dam and swept down into the valley. The villages of Longarone, Erto, and Casso were obliterated in an instant. Although the dam itself remained intact, the force of the water was devastating and relentless.
The disaster claimed approximately 2,000 lives and exposed critical errors in planning and geological surveying. This tragedy led to a fundamental reassessment of safety standards for dam construction worldwide. Today, the Vajont Dam breach is remembered as a warning against underestimating natural forces and the importance of thorough geological surveys.
Where it happened
Coordinates: 46.2672, 12.3293 · View larger map
FAQ
In what year did Vajont Dam Disaster happen?
It happened: 1963.
What was Vajont Dam Disaster?
The Vajont Dam disaster is one of the most tragic engineering failures in history. On October 9, 1963, a massive landslide from Monte Toc fell into the reservoir, causing water to overflow the dam. The resulting wave destroyed villages in the Piave Valley and killed approximately 2,000 people. Altho
Where can I try Vajont Dam Disaster?
On HistoryGuesser — explore a 360° scene and guess where in the world and in what year it happened.
What you'll see here
In the game you stand right at this place in a 360° panorama and guess where and when the event happened.
View in 360° →
