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Disasters Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Disasters Quizzes, Trivia

Disasters Trivia

Disasters Trivia Quizzes

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Disasters

112 Disasters quizzes and 1,568 Disasters trivia questions.
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1.
Fire and Brimstone
  Fire and Brimstone   best quiz  
Photo Match
 12 Qns
History's Disasters Photographed
The world isn't always a friendly place, and sometimes photographers are there to capture the worst. Match each disaster photo with the year/location.
Average, 12 Qns, trident, Oct 05 23
Average
trident editor
Oct 05 23
697 plays
2.
Its a Disaster
  It's a Disaster!   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
History is rife with hardships and disaster, but such tragedy is life. Take a look back at some of the most influential disasters, natural and man-made, between 1980 and 2010, and never forget.
Easier, 10 Qns, kyleisalive, Aug 19 13
Easier
kyleisalive editor
3850 plays
3.
What a Disaster
  What a Disaster!   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
There are many types of natural disasters. Mother Nature, while usually showing its beautiful side, can also be very frightening and can wreak havoc when she causes a natural disaster. Here are some examples of the wrath of Mother Nature.
Easier, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Dec 11 14
Easier
dcpddc478
1947 plays
4.
  My Date With Disaster Test   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Let's go back in time to some historical dates that, quite frankly, we should probably avoid.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, merylfederman, May 03 12
Very Easy
merylfederman gold member
5111 plays
5.
  Lamentations   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These events all caused lamentations among those who suffered through them, and those who lost loved ones due to the forces of nature or the actions of humans.
Easier, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Feb 18 22
Easier
looney_tunes editor
Feb 18 22
1799 plays
6.
  This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
With absolutely no disrespect intended - considering how phrase of the title has often been used - here is a bit of information about ten of the most deadly disasters in our recorded history. Thanks, Kankurette, for the challenge!
Easier, 10 Qns, cowboybluedog, Mar 17 21
Easier
cowboybluedog gold member
Mar 17 21
1000 plays
7.
  Events That Shocked Nations   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A quiz containing 10 questions on tragedies that have happened worldwide.
Average, 10 Qns, Eagle9a, Sep 04 23
Average
Eagle9a
Sep 04 23
4163 plays
8.
  December Disasters   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
If I tell you the date and location of a natural disaster that occurred during December, casting a pall over Christmas celebrations that year, can you identify the type of event involved?
Average, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Feb 16 20
Average
looney_tunes editor
Feb 16 20
768 plays
9.
  Disastrous Dates   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Can you match these disasters with the dates on which they occurred?
Easier, 10 Qns, ElusiveDream, Jan 01 17
Easier
ElusiveDream
1479 plays
10.
  Catastrophes    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A tour of disasters from 2000 to 2009 for Commission 47.
Average, 10 Qns, ClaudiaCat, Jan 23 22
Average
ClaudiaCat gold member
Jan 23 22
2725 plays
trivia question Quick Question
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. When?

From Quiz "Was it really that long ago? A Log of Disasters"




11.
  The Tragedy of the Cult at Jonestown   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The events that took place at Jonestown helped shape society's definition of a cult- this is my tribute to those that died.
Average, 10 Qns, Leah457, Sep 06 15
Average
Leah457
2653 plays
12.
  Famous Disasters   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Nature and technology sometimes conspire against man, with catastrophic results. Now is your chance to test your knowledge of some of the most famous disasters on record.
Difficult, 15 Qns, cag1970, Mar 10 04
Difficult
cag1970
5357 plays
13.
  25 Questions on Great Disasters   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
I am an avid reader of non-fiction, so I decided to create a quiz of catastrophic disasters, both natural and man-made, around the world. Some are old, some recent. Let me know what you think.
Average, 25 Qns, nikshijay, May 26 22
Average
nikshijay
May 26 22
3909 plays
14.
  CATaclysms and Other CATastrophes    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Leaping Lizards! Distressed Dogs! Frantic Fish! Confounded Cats! Natural disasters affect man & beast alike. Can you match the locations of significant CATaclysms & CATastrophes to the type of disaster and when each happened? Part of Commission 47 - Cats
Average, 10 Qns, shuehorn, Feb 08 20
Average
shuehorn gold member
Feb 08 20
405 plays
15.
  Disasters and Mistakes of the 19th and Early 20th    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Inspired after reading a book on global disasters and mistakes, I decided to make a quiz about some of them. Here are ten disasters from a one hundred-year period spanning from 1812 to 1912. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, apathy100, Apr 22 21
Average
apathy100 gold member
Apr 22 21
429 plays
16.
  Dangerous Day   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
'This is a dangerous day...' The 20th and 21st centuries have seen some terrible disasters, some caused by humans, some as the result of Mother Nature. Match the disasters with the decades in which they occurred.
Average, 10 Qns, Kankurette, Aug 08 18
Average
Kankurette gold member
Aug 08 18
411 plays
17.
  Bridge Over Troubled Water   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A bridge is any structure erected to provide passage over a gap or barrier such as a river or roadway. There are bridges for cars, trains, and pedestrians. All of them can fail, with deadly results.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jan 20 12
Average
dcpddc478
1930 plays
18.
  Fifteen Minutes of Germ Warfare   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice. Researching, I've learned of other possibilities, all of which could suffice.
Tough, 10 Qns, adams627, Sep 04 23
Tough
adams627
Sep 04 23
756 plays
19.
  Train of Thought   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Just some assorted trivia on various train disasters from around the world. All aboard!
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Sep 01 11
Average
dcpddc478
797 plays
20.
  Mayday! Mayday!   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The word 'mayday' is a code word used internationally in life-threatening situations. This quiz tests players' knowledge of the term and several maritime and aviation disasters. Best of luck!
Average, 10 Qns, Triviaballer, Aug 09 09
Average
Triviaballer gold member
1973 plays
21.
I hope you enjoy my quiz on some famous (and not so famous) disasters that have occurred in history.
Average, 10 Qns, kels_76, Feb 29 12
Average
kels_76
1897 plays
22.
  It's a Greasy, Oily Mess    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
What are the repercussions of oil spills and other oil mishaps? Are most of us aware how often they actually occur? What has been done to protect our environment? Here are a few questions on these events.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Mar 04 14
Average
dcpddc478
1496 plays
23.
  What Went Wrong?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many disasters, natural and man-made, have occurred over the past decades. But why did they occur? Could they have been prevented? Take this quiz and find out.
Average, 10 Qns, nmerr, Mar 01 18
Average
nmerr gold member
Mar 01 18
795 plays
24.
  Man Made Disasters In World History II   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Man aspires to reach beyond himself. This quiz looks at what happens when he reaches too far.
Tough, 15 Qns, Oddball, May 01 15
Tough
Oddball
3391 plays
25.
  Man Made Disasters in World History I   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
With all the wonders man has created to better his world, sometimes there must come a price. Test yourself on these examples of man overreaching himself.
Difficult, 15 Qns, Oddball, Mar 14 17
Difficult
Oddball
4897 plays
26.
  Troubled Water    
Ordering Quiz
 10 Qns
Floods, Hurricanes and Tsunamis
Whether caused by excessive rainfall, stirred up by a hurricane, or caused by an earthquake, troubled water can cause death and destruction to the areas affected. Your task is to place these events in chronological order.
Tough, 10 Qns, spanishliz, Jan 09 23
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Tough
spanishliz editor
Jan 09 23
204 plays
27.
  Ring of Fire - Natural Disasters   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Ring of Fire is a name given to the region surrounding the Pacific Ocean where volcanic and seismic activity is greatly concentrated. This quiz will focus on natural disasters related to this region.
Average, 10 Qns, tazman6619, Feb 24 13
Average
tazman6619 gold member
594 plays
28.
  Naturally Disastrous   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Not a very cheery topic, although it is a bit of an eye-opener and still very relevant today. Let's have a look back in time.
Average, 10 Qns, suomy, Mar 04 13
Average
suomy
580 plays
29.
  Natural Disasters    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Natural disasters strike the earth with tremendous regularity, evidenced by the growing number of such deadly disasters each year. Do you think you know alot about some famous disasters? Test yourself and see!
Tough, 15 Qns, lsvitko, Sep 02 23
Tough
lsvitko
Sep 02 23
3582 plays
30.
  Disasters in the U.S.   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
All multiple choice on some disasters in the U.S. This should be fairly easy. I hope that you enjoy it. :-)
Tough, 10 Qns, Nightmare, Sep 25 22
Tough
Nightmare gold member
Sep 25 22
2888 plays
31.
  This is the End of the World    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
When these horrors occurred, many thought THIS is the end!
Average, 10 Qns, Mowwow, Feb 29 16
Average
Mowwow
730 plays
32.
  Deadly Disasters   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll describe the event, you choose the answer that best fits the description.
Average, 10 Qns, nmerr, Dec 20 14
Average
nmerr gold member
603 plays
33.
  Natural Disasters in World History   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Encounters with Mother Nature can be very unpleasant. Here are some examples.
Tough, 10 Qns, Oddball, Sep 08 13
Tough
Oddball
3444 plays
34.
  How Did You Survive?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
As with most living things, in my opinion, the fight to survive can be taught, but the desire to survive is something that cannot. It comes from deep inside. It is an instinct that has evolved from the beginning of time.
Average, 10 Qns, chris1162, Jun 28 16
Average
chris1162 gold member
376 plays
35.
  Mining Disasters Around the World   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mining for anything underground has always been one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This quiz will include different kinds of incidents from around the world.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jan 23 20
Average
dcpddc478
Jan 23 20
481 plays
36.
  In a New York Minute   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
While a New York Minute is a hard-to-define amount of time, one can agree it doesn't last very long. These ten Q's deal with disasters that moments before, all was right with the world. Then suddenly...in a "New York Minute"...
Average, 10 Qns, Spaudrey, Jan 16 15
Average
Spaudrey
429 plays
37.
  Rocks At A Cost: Canadian Mining Disasters    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mining is a profession that often has implications that come at a cost. Canada is a country notable for their mining industry. Here are some Canadian mining incidents that have come at a heavy cost.
Average, 10 Qns, apathy100, Jul 12 17
Average
apathy100 gold member
Jul 12 17
184 plays
38.
  World Disasters and Tragedies    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I have another one but this one is a lot harder. My other one is about Geography. E-mail me my mistakes. Thanks. Have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, tigersCIN, Oct 08 23
Average
tigersCIN
Oct 08 23
5514 plays
39.
  Slow as Molasses in January   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Have you ever heard of Boston's Great Molasses Flood? It was quite a unique disaster! Take this quiz to learn all about it.
Average, 10 Qns, Eraucci, Mar 24 15
Average
Eraucci gold member
229 plays
40.
  Grabbing Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These military-related disasters range from the devastating to some that would be almost comical if there were no casualties. The incidents all occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Average, 10 Qns, AlexT781, Sep 14 16
Average
AlexT781
590 plays
41.
  Man Made Disasters 3   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
More disasters stemming from the hand of man.
Difficult, 10 Qns, Oddball, Feb 06 22
Difficult
Oddball
Feb 06 22
3126 plays
42.
  More Famous Disasters    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Wrecked trains and crashing planes make the headlines. So, too, do bad storms and terrible earthquakes. Get ready for a second helping of famous disasters!
Difficult, 15 Qns, cag1970, Jul 03 03
Difficult
cag1970
1510 plays
43.
  Dream Weavers' Nightmares   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mother Nature can wreak havoc all over the globe. Whether she alters things through storms, disasters or other naturally occurring events, she certainly leaves her mark!
Tough, 10 Qns, funnytrivianna, Sep 10 10
Tough
funnytrivianna gold member
449 plays
44.
  Mother Nature & History   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ten instances where Mother Nature had significant impact on human history.
Average, 10 Qns, wjames, Dec 08 13
Average
wjames gold member
757 plays
45.
  Worst U.S Natural Disasters    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is about the ten worst US natural disasters (by fatalities). It is a little somber but we must never forget these things actually happened.
Tough, 10 Qns, gekededa, Jun 07 18
Tough
gekededa
Jun 07 18
863 plays
46.
  Nothing Like a Good Pandemic   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Disease, death, pandemics: the things dreams are made of, right? Well, maybe not, but they can be fascinating. Anyway, that's what this quiz is about, so buckle up and let's go!
Average, 10 Qns, FuzzyElf, Jul 30 09
Average
FuzzyElf
769 plays
47.
  Was it really that long ago? A Log of Disasters    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Cast your mind back. Think carefully. When did this happen? Some you may remember. Some you may know. I'll give you the event and you pick the date.
Average, 10 Qns, spagzy, Dec 03 12
Average
spagzy
1946 plays
48.
  More Natural Disasters In World History   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How do you make God laugh? Make a plan. Here are more examples of divine retribution on a global scale.
Difficult, 10 Qns, Oddball, Sep 05 09
Difficult
Oddball
1884 plays
49.
  Famous Disasters III    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
When machines malfunction or the weather turns foul, there's a chance that a major disaster looms ahead. This is my third quiz on well-known disasters. Information for this quiz courtesy of Wikipedia.
Difficult, 10 Qns, cag1970, Oct 30 06
Difficult
cag1970
805 plays
50.
  The Ultimate Great Disasters Quiz    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A great many natural and man-made disasters have struck all over the world, throughout history. Here are a few well-known disasters with a couple obscure.
Difficult, 10 Qns, linn1117, Feb 25 10
Difficult
linn1117
1193 plays
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Disasters Trivia Questions

1. In June 1812, the Grand Armee was assembled by Napoleon Bonaparte and consisted of over 610,000 men to cross the European continent and invade what country?

From Quiz
Disasters and Mistakes of the 19th and Early 20th

Answer: Russia

The French invasion of Russia by most accounts was a complete disaster. Lasting from June 14, 1812, until December 14, 1812, the casualties were absolutely massive for the French Grand Armee. The war was caused by a variety of reasons, including Napoleon's inability to marry a Russian princess, a continental blockade system and embargo in an attempt to boost the French economy, and various nations turning their backs on France at the hands of the Russians. Although the French Grande Armee had initially outnumbered the Russian army, the abandonment of Moscow by the Russians (and a failure of Napoleon to negotiate a peace offer) led to some devastating results. By October 1812, the Grande Armee was lacking food and water and was suffering from hypothermia due to extreme weather conditions. By the beginning of December, Napoleon had left his army and returned to Paris. French troops would soon follow, and on December 14, 1812, the surviving soldiers in the Grande Armee would head back to Paris as well. Unfortunately, Napoleon's reputation as a powerful leader would crumble. By 1821, he would be exiled and die while imprisoned on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

2. A catastrophe occurred in Africa in the year 2000. It was the result of water falling on the plains which caused massive floods. The disaster occurred where?

From Quiz Catastrophes

Answer: Mozambique

In 2000 Mozambique was devastated by a major flood in February and March of that year. The combination of heavy rain, swelling rivers and floods caused a disaster throughout of the country. Around 700 people were killed as a result of the flood and many more people were affected by the loss of their cattle, the mainstay of their food supply.

3. What country's famine of 1845-1849 resulted in a decrease of population by 20-25%?

From Quiz This is the End of the World

Answer: Ireland

All of the countries listed experienced famines that wiped out over 25% of their populations. However, the famines of the incorrect three countries occurred earlier. The potato, native to the Americas, was introduced into European agriculture by the Spanish in the late 16th century. Because it was easy to cultivate, calorie-dense and nutritious, it became a staple crop in Ireland. By the mid 19th century, it was the sole source of nutrition for half of the population. In 1845, a water mold, Phytophthora Infestans, came into Ireland from North America. The mold destroys the leaves and tubers of the potato plant. That year, the weather was exceptionally cool and wet, the mold thrived ruining the majority of the crop. In the four years following, the "late blight", as the disease was commonly known, caused almost complete destruction of the harvest. In 1841, the population of Ireland was approximately 8.4 million. From 1845-1851, 1 million people died of starvation and disease and another 1-2 million of the Irish left the country. By 1851, the county's population was only 6.6 million.

4. The Great Molasses Flood in Boston occurred in the same year that the Treaty of Versailles was signed. What year was that?

From Quiz Slow as Molasses in January

Answer: 1919

The disaster occurred at around 12:30 in the afternoon on January 15, 1919. The day was unseasonably warm, so many people were outside having their lunch.

5. Two 13th century typhoons were described as "divine winds" that saved Japan from invasion by which power?

From Quiz Mother Nature & History

Answer: Mongols

Two Mongol fleets under Kublai Khan were dispersed after gaining toeholds in Japan in 1274 and 1281. Without seaborne support, the invading armies had to retreat.

6. There have been several recorded plague pandemics. The one arriving in Europe from China in 1346 is possibly the best known and is commonly referred to as the Black Death. How was the disease generally spread?

From Quiz Naturally Disastrous

Answer: Flea-carrying rodents

The Oriental Rat-Flea has been identified as the main disease vector. The 'Yersinia pestis' bacterium is transferred during a flea bite. The plague reached its peak in Europe during the period 1348 to 1350. Worldwide, 75 million to 100 million people are believed to have died from the plague in the 14th century, perhaps as much as 50% of the population in Europe. This pandemic carried on for several centuries. Catapulting plague-infected bodies into a city during the Siege of Caffa in 1346 is amongst the earliest known examples of germ warfare. Those who escaped this Crimean city to Genoa in Italy are probably responsible for bringing the plague into Europe.

7. Ask anyone who is old enough to remember, what they were doing when this space shuttle exploded on January 28, 1986 and chances are they will remember. It was one of those defining moments in history. What was the name of this shuttle?

From Quiz What Went Wrong?

Answer: Challenger

The cause of the Challenger explosion, according to the Rogers Commission, were the faulty O-rings that sealed the joints of the solid rocket boosters, allowing pressurized gas to reach the external fuel tank. This caused the tank to fail structurally. Could this tragedy have been prevented? The answer is a resounding yes. The Rogers Commission found that NASA managers had known about the potential problems with the O-rings. These managers had ignored warnings from engineers that launching the Challenger in cooler temperatures could have dangerous consequences. As a result, seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, lost their lives that day and left an indelible memory on those who watched the tragedy.

8. Which famous architect designed the Munchenstein bridge in Switzerland, from which a passenger train plunged in 1891 taking over 70 people to their deaths?

From Quiz Bridge Over Troubled Water

Answer: Gustave Eiffel

On June 14, 1891 the Munchenstein Bridge collapsed while a passenger train was crossing. Eight railway cars fell into the Birs River and over 70 people were killed. The bridge had been designed and erected in 1875 by Gustave Eiffel who went on to design the Eiffel Tower in Paris. One passenger car hung from the bridge and five remained on the bridge. At no time did the train derail, instead it plunged through the center of the bridge when it suffered structural collapse. This bridge disaster which injured over 170 people ushered in a new age of bridge safety in Switzerland which focused on design and upkeep.

9. In 1992 the Westray mine in Nova Scotia, Canada became the site of a methane explosion that killed 26 miners less than a year after the mine was opened. What power source were they mining for?

From Quiz Mining Disasters Around the World

Answer: Coal

The Westray mine was set up to mine for coal. Before the mine even opened, rumors were rampant that safety issues were being ignored. Coal mining is among the most dangerous kinds of mining. Coal miners can be killed by flooding, landslides, earthquakes and explosions. In this instance, they searched for days before finding the bodies of 15 men, and then closed the mine permanently with 11 bodies still entombed in anthracite.

10. In October 1966 a slagheap collapsed and wiped out a Welsh mining village, killing 144 people. What was the village called?

From Quiz Events That Shocked Nations

Answer: Aberfan

On the 21st October 1966 the community in South Wales was devastated when a slagheap (a huge pile of mining debris) collapsed, slid down a hillside and destroyed the village of Aberfan, including the village school. 116 of the dead were schoolchildren.

11. On 6th May 1937 in Lakehurst, New Jersey, an airship burst into flames as it came in to land after a transatlantic journey. What was the name of this airship?

From Quiz My Date With Disaster

Answer: Hindenburg

The Hindenburg was the first disaster caught on tape when it burst into flames as mooring ropes were being lowered preparing for landing. There have been many theories as to how the disaster occurred, including a terrorist plot but most experts have said that a freak weather event caused static electricity to ignite the airship which was filled with hydrogen, a highly flammable gas. The cause of the fire, to this day is still unknown. Thirteen passengers were killed along with 21 crew members on the airship and another ground crew member.

12. Canada occasionally endures the hazards caused by hurricanes. Which hurricane destroyed nearly three quarters of the trees in Nova Scotia's Point Pleasant Park in September 2003?

From Quiz Dream Weavers' Nightmares

Answer: Hurricane Juan

The beautiful 185 acre municipal park located at the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula was beaten and battered by Hurricane Juan on September 28th 2003, lasting until September 29, 2003. The devastating winds of 142 kilometers per hour, of this category 1 hurricane, destroyed about ¾ of the parks trees causing the closure of the park until June 2004. Hurricane Hortense hit Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, as a category one hurricane, in September 1966. Hurricane Kyle hit Nova Scotia as a category one hurricane on September 2008. Hurricane Ginny hit Nova Scotia's Southwest end in October 1963 as a category 2 hurricane. (Source: Wikipedia) Contributed by funnytrivianna

13. The distress call 'mayday' should not be confused with the public holiday 'May Day'. From which language was the term 'mayday' derived?

From Quiz Mayday! Mayday!

Answer: French

When translated from its French derivation, 'mayday' literally means 'help me' ('m'aider', shortened from 'venez m'aider - 'come, help me').

14. It is generally accepted that how many died on the day of the massacre at Jonestown?

From Quiz The Tragedy of the Cult at Jonestown

Answer: 918

All information was gathered at http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/ -a very informative website designed to humanize this terrible event with pictures, recordings and discussion. "There were 918 people who died in Guyana on November 18. The death toll at Jonestown was 909, with two confirmed gunshot deaths and the balance dying by cyanide poisoning. Five people - including Congressman Leo Ryan, three members of the media who accompanied his party, and one Jonestown defector - were shot to death at the Port Kaituma airstrip. Finally, four Temple members died at the group's Georgetown house when a mother herded her children into an upstairs bathroom, slit their throats, and then took her own life with the knife." -an excerpt from the aforementioned website.

15. This natural disaster happened in the early 20th century and claimed the most lives of any natural disaster in US history.

From Quiz Worst U.S Natural Disasters

Answer: 1900 Galveston hurricane

This particular hurricane claimed an estimated 8,000 lives and is the pinnacle of natural disasters in the US.

16. During this earthquake and fire, tenor Enrico Caruso was heard singing among the ruins. He vowed never to return to this city, a vow he kept. It occurred in 1906. Where did it happen?

From Quiz Great Disasters

Answer: San Francisco

At 5:13 am on April 18, 1906, a terrific earthquake tore through San Francisco and the area around it. The resulting fire raged for three days, destroying most of San Francisco. Several things contributed to the disaster, including the death of the fire chief, the breaking of water mains so that there was no water to fight the fire, and ironically, the actions of the officials to fight the fire by dynamiting homes and businesses to create fire breaks. This quake is estimated to have registered 8.3 on the Richter Scale.

17. Which ship caused a disaster in the U.S. in 1989?

From Quiz Disasters in the U.S.

Answer: Exxon Valdez

The Exxon Valdez hit an undersea reef, and cut loose 10 million gallons of oil. This occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 24th.

18. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. When?

From Quiz Was it really that long ago? A Log of Disasters

Answer: 1963

Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F. Kennedy as he drove along a plaza in Dallas in an open top motorcade - or at least that's what the FBI claims.

19. Most people know that when Mt. Vesuvius erupted it buried the city of Pompeii. What is the name of the other city buried in that eruption?

From Quiz Great Disasters

Answer: Herculaneum

Mt. Vesuvius erupted on August 24, 79 A.D. killing thousands.

20. In what year did the deadly MGM Grand Hotel fire occur in Las Vegas?

From Quiz More Famous Disasters

Answer: 1980

Inadequate fire protection and highly combustible decorations and furnishings were blamed for the tragic fire that claimed 85 lives and injured over 600 others.

21. The 1964 earthquake that struck Alaska occurred during which religious day of observance?

From Quiz Famous Disasters

Answer: Good Friday

One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in North America, registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, the Good Friday earthquake struck Alaska on March 27, 1964. The quake claimed 131 lives.

22. What disease caused the 1918 pandemic in the United States?

From Quiz World Disasters and Tragedies

Answer: Spanish influenza

The 1918 influenza pandemic caused 500,000 to 675,000 deaths in the USA (commonly known as the Spanish flu).

23. What is believed to have been the primary cause of the explosion that destroyed the dirigible 'Hindenburg' in 1937?

From Quiz Man Made Disasters In World History II

Answer: Static electricity

The official report lists the cause as 'St. Elmo's Fire', but most experts agree the explosion was caused by an electrical discharge between the fabric and the aluminum frame. The fabric was grounded to the frame, except for one panel. The accelerant was the doping on the fabric. Furthermore, hydrogen was used because the United States, which cornered the market on the more stable helium, was charging extravagent prices to Nazi Germany (A tip of the hat to 'M' for the extra info).

24. On June 12, 1955, the worst single auto racing accident occurred when a race car flew into the stands and exploded, killing 83 people, including the driver at this annual event:

From Quiz Man Made Disasters 3

Answer: Le Mans

Driver Pierre Levegn's Mercedes was struck by Lance Macklin in an attempt to avoid a slower car during this annual 24-hour event in France, plunged into the crowd and bounced back onto the protective barrier before exploding, sending more wreckage into the crowd.

25. The worst avalanche in U.S. history is known as the Wellington Snowslide. It occurred March 1, 1910 in this state:

From Quiz More Natural Disasters In World History

Answer: Washington

A vast amount of snow crashed from the Cascade mountain range into this town's railway station, taking three locomotives, carriages, rails and debris into a gorge 150 feet down. Over 100 lives were lost.

26. In 1923, a massive earthquake struck Tokyo, killing 99,000 people. The quake, however, was not directly responsible for most of the deaths. What was?

From Quiz Natural Disasters

Answer: Firestorms immediately after the quake.

The earthquake set off several fires as it brought down power cables and shattered gas mains. Hundreds of other fires started when family cooking stoves fell to the ground, igniting the wood and paper from which most of the houses were built. Almost half the city was destroyed but almost all of the damage was caused by fire.

27. The deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history claimed over 6,000 lives due to this...

From Quiz Natural Disasters in World History

Answer: Hurricane

Most lives were lost when a storm surge caised by the hurricane struck the port city of Galveston, Texas in September, 1900.

28. During the Crimean War, the 93rd Highland Regiment performed what military action on October 25, 1854, which was a success but was succeeded by the failing "Charge Of The Light Brigade"?

From Quiz Disasters and Mistakes of the 19th and Early 20th

Answer: Thin Red Line

The Battle of Balaclava began on October 25, 1853, but a series of costly mistakes following the initial success of the 93rd Highland Regiment proved deadly. To start the battle, the Russians had set up a first line of defense armed with heavy artillery and fortified positions in an attempt to take over a supply base at Balaclava. To counterattack, the Scottish 93rd Highland Regiment set up two long rows, now known as "The Thin Red Line" to push the Russians back. Unfortunately, the continuing battle would fare less successfully. The British commander, Lord Raglan, who was commanding from higher ground, chose to send in his cavalry against a much larger Russian army. The other commander, Lord Cardigan, responsible for the Light Brigade, miscommunicated with Raglan, believing his troops were to defend their position. Cardigan is also believed to have been reluctant to attack as the order came from Lord Lucan (whom Cardigan detested). They did not join in the attack against the Russian army. Further to this, there was a miscommunication as to the location of British guns that were feared to be taken by the Russians. Lucan and Cardigan, who lacked Raglan's viewpoint, could not agree on where the guns were. As a result, The Light Brigade would charge at the wrong gun batteries, leading them to be attacked on three sides in what is now called "The Valley of Death". When all was said and done, over 670 men began the charge. Just under 200 of them made it back to their lines. Nearly 120 were killed, and roughly 60 of them were captured.

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