Historical Events tagged with "peru"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Bermúdez Overthrows Velasco in Tacna

August 29th, 1975 49 years ago

Francisco Morales Bermúdez carried out a coup in Tacna, Peru, forcing President Juan Velasco Alvarado to resign. The coup was staged amidst political unrest and economic difficulties in the country. Bermúdez, who was the Prime Minister, utilized military support to establish a new government, a pivotal moment in Peru's political history that marked a shift towards authoritarian rule.

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Politics & Government

Violence Erupts in Lima Amid Police Strike

February 5th, 1975 50 years ago

Following a police strike, riots erupted in Lima, Peru, leading to severe unrest and chaos. The military responded forcefully to suppress the uprising, which locals referred to as the Limazo. Demonstrators engaged in confrontations with military troops as they protested against the oppressive regime. The crackdown resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities, highlighting the tensions within the society at the time.

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Accidents & Tragedies

LANSA Flight 508 Lightning Strike and Crash

December 24th, 1971 53 years ago

LANSA Flight 508, a Boeing 727-56, was struck by lightning while flying over the remote areas of Huánuco, Peru. The aircraft suffered catastrophic failure, leading to its crash in the Puerto Inca District. A total of 91 people, including passengers and crew, lost their lives in the incident, marking one of Peru's deadliest aviation disasters. The exact causes of the lightning strike and subsequent crash led to investigations into aviation safety protocols in the region.

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Natural Disasters

Landslide at Yanawayin Lake Kills 200

March 18th, 1971 53 years ago

A catastrophic landslide occurred at Yanawayin Lake, located near the Chungar mining camp in Peru, leading to the deaths of approximately 200 individuals. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains that weakened the mountainous terrain surrounding the area. As a result, a massive volume of earth and debris crashed into the lake, creating a deadly wave that swept through the mining camp. This incident highlighted the geographical vulnerabilities associated with mining operations in Peru.

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Accidents & Tragedies

LANSA Flight 502 Fatal Crash Post-Takeoff

August 9th, 1970 54 years ago

LANSA Flight 502 crashed shortly after takeoff from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru, killing 99 of the 100 passengers onboard along with two individuals on the ground. The crash occurred due to adverse weather conditions and an almost immediate loss of control of the aircraft. The tragic event highlights the importance of aviation safety and regulation in mountainous regions, where weather can pose significant challenges.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Ancash Earthquake Impacts Peru

May 31st, 1970 54 years ago

A massive earthquake struck Peru, registering 7.9 Mw on the moment magnitude scale. The epicenter was located near the town of Yungay, which experienced severe shaking with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII. The earthquake triggered a catastrophic landslide from the nearby Nevado Huascarán mountain, burying the town of Yungay and resulting in a staggering death toll between 66,794 and 70,000, with approximately 50,000 additional injuries reported. The event has been recognized as one of the deadliest earthquakes in history.

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Natural Disasters

Massive Avalanche Strikes Huascarán, Peru

January 11th, 1962 63 years ago

An avalanche swept down Huascarán mountain in Peru, resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths. The disaster struck the town of Ranrahirca, burying numerous homes and causing extensive damage. The high-altitude region was affected by heavy rains, which contributed to the instability of the ice and snow. Despite emergency efforts, the scale of the tragedy overwhelmed local resources, leaving survivors grappling with the loss of their loved ones and homes amid the devastation.

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Politics & Government

Radicals Expelled from APRA Form APRA Rebelde

October 12th, 1959 65 years ago

At the national congress of the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance in Peru, a faction of leftist radicals was expelled from the party due to ideological differences. This group subsequently created a new organization named APRA Rebelde, reflecting their commitment to more radical leftist ideals. The split exemplified the internal tensions within Peruvian politics and the growing divisions among leftist movements in the region.

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Exploration & Discovery

Che Guevara's Journey Across Latin America

July 7th, 1953 71 years ago

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara embarked on a transformative journey across several Latin American countries, including Bolivia, Peru, and Nicaragua. Using a motorcycle, he sought to gain firsthand experience of the socio-political climates and economic challenges faced by the region's impoverished populations. This trip would significantly shape his revolutionary ideology and further his commitment to socialism and armed struggle. During this journey, he witnessed the dire conditions and injustices that fueled his future activism.

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