1970: East Pakistan devastated by cyclone
Colossal tidal waves and storm surges strike the shores of the Ganges Delta, wreaking lethal damage on the people of
East Pakistan (Bangladesh). A 120-mile-per-hour cyclone spurred deadly tidal waves that washed over scores of coastal islands. An estimated total of 200,000 dead made it the century's largest disaster by water. The Ganges Delta had suffered many furious storms, but this was the worst natural disaster in the region’s history. The failure of the West Pakistani government to respond quickly to the crisis contributed to the political turmoil that produced an independent
Bangladesh in 1971.
2002
One of the oil tanker Prestige’s 12 tanks bursts during a storm off Galician coast. The tanker eventually splits in half and sinks on the 19th causing significant devastation to the surrounding wildlife.
1995
In England, 18-year-old student Leah Betts goes into a coma after taking an
ecstasy tablet. Leah dies three days later. Her parents subsequently launch a high profile campaign to educate children about the dangers of drug abuse.
1985
An estimated 23,000 are killed when the volcano, Nevado del Ruiz, erupts in northern
Colombia. 1982
The
Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington D.C., U.S.A.
1979
In
Britain, The Times newspaper is published for the first time in nearly a year after a dispute between the
management of the paper and a printing union is resolved.
1971
The American space probe, Mariner 9, flies around
Mars, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
1969
In England,
Irene Hanson gives birth to five healthy baby girls.
1960
In America, Sammy Davis, Jr. marries Swedish actress May Britt, in a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in 31 U.S. states.
1954
Britain defeats France to win the first ever Rugby League World Cup in
Paris, France. 1945
American President
Harry Truman announces the establishment of a panel of inquiry to look into the settlement of Jews in
Palestine. 1940
The classic Disney film Fantasia opens in cinemas around America.
1887
Violence erupts in London’s Trafalgar Square at a Socialist rally attended by
Irish agitators demanding the release of MP William
O'Brien. The brutality which the police used to quell the demonstrators earned the day the name
Bloody Sunday. 1789
The first President of the United States,
George Washington, returns to the capital Washington D.C. at the end of his first presidential tour.
1002
In England, King Ethelred orders the killing of all Danes in the country, known as the St. Brice's Day massacre.
1941
American singer/songwriter Paul Simon. Teams up with Art Garfunkel to become one of America's most successful pop duos in 1960s and 1970s. Songs include 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'; 'Feelin' Groovy'; 'America' 'Homeward Bound' and 'Sound of Silence'. 1921
American film
actor Charles Bronson.
1850
Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Works include 'Treasure Island’ and 'Kidnapped'. 
