Johnstown Flood

The Johnstown Flood disaster (or Great Flood of 1889 as it became known locally) occurred on May 31, 1889. It was the result of several days of extremely heavy rainfall, greatly exacerbated by the failure of the South Fork Dam situated 14 miles (23 km) upstream of the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, which unleashed a torrent of 20 million gallons (~76 000 000 L) of additional water. Over 2,200 people were killed, and there was $17 million (USD) in damage. It was the first major disaster relief effort handled by the new American Red Cross, led by Clara Barton. Support for victims came from all over the United States and 18 foreign countries. It remains one of the greatest disasters in U.S. history.

Related Topics:
May 31 - 1889 - South Fork Dam - Johnstown, Pennsylvania - L - USD - American Red Cross - Clara Barton - United States

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