The Vajont Dam, constructed in the 1950s as a hydroelectric power station, was located in the mountainous region of the Dolomites in Italy. On that fateful day, a significant landslide occurred on the mountain slopes of Monte Toc, releasing approximately 260 million cubic meters of rock and debris into the reservoir. This violent displacement of water led to a catastrophic wave approximately 250 meters high that surged over the dam's top, demolishing everything in its path. The surrounding villages, including Longarone, were inundated within minutes, leading to an overwhelming loss of life and property. Rescue and recovery efforts were hindered by the terrain and the sheer scale of destruction, highlighting the suddenness of the disaster.

Prior to this event, concerns had been raised about the stability of the mountain and the safety of the dam, but the warnings were largely ignored, leading to inadequate safety measures being implemented. The incident raised questions about geological assessments and the management of large-scale infrastructure projects, spurring changes in policies regarding dam construction and operational safety assessments in Italy and beyond. The devastation was not only felt physically but also socially, as the affected communities struggled to recover and rebuild in the aftermath, leading to long-term social and economic impacts across the region.