What Happened This Year 1986
Historical Events from This Year 1986
Sydney Experiences Record Rainfall in One Day
A low-pressure system redeveloping off the coast of New South Wales resulted in Sydney receiving an unprecedented 328 millimeters (13 inches) of rainfall in just one day. This extreme weather event led to significant flooding and disruptions throughout the city, impacting daily life and infrastructure. Local authorities issued flood warnings, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel as local rivers overflowed their banks, inundating neighborhoods and creating hazardous conditions. Schools and businesses faced prolonged closures due to the severity of the rainfall and resultant flooding.
Continue ReadingPostal Employee Patrick Sherrill Commits Mass Shooting
Patrick Sherrill, a postal worker in Edmond, Oklahoma, opened fire on his colleagues with a handgun, killing 14 of them and injuring several others. This violent act occurred during his shift at the post office. Following the shooting, Sherrill took his own life, resulting in one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history. The event shocked the local community and raised questions about workplace violence and gun control.
Continue ReadingTragic Eruption of Lake Nyos Gas
Carbon dioxide gas erupted from volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon, resulting in a sudden and massive release of gas that suffocated nearly 1,800 people in nearby villages. The phenomenon occurred due to the eruption of magma, which disturbed the lake's deep waters and released high concentrations of gas. When the gas cloud surged down the hillsides, it displaced oxygen in the air, causing fatalities within a 20-kilometer range.
Continue ReadingAdmiral Nakhimov Sinks After Collision
The Soviet passenger liner Admiral Nakhimov collided with the bulk carrier Pyotr Vasev in the Black Sea, resulting in the sinking of the liner and the loss of 423 lives. The incident occurred under poor visibility conditions, exacerbated by navigational errors. Rescue operations were hindered by the chaos and rough sea conditions following the collision. Survivors and victims were drawn from multiple walks of life, making the tragedy widespread in impact.
Continue ReadingAeroméxico Flight 498 Collision Incident
A mid-air collision occurred when Aeroméxico Flight 498, a Douglas DC-9, collided with a Piper PA-28 Cherokee aircraft over Cerritos, California. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 67 passengers and crew members aboard the DC-9 and an additional 15 fatalities on the ground due to debris and jet fuel fire. The incident prompted investigations into air traffic control procedures and raised concerns about flight safety regulations.
Continue ReadingPan Am Flight 73 Hijacking at Karachi Airport
Pan Am Flight 73, operating from Mumbai, was hijacked at Karachi International Airport by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. The aircraft was seized while on the ground with 358 people on board, including passengers and crew. The hijackers took control of the airplane, demanding the release of their comrades held in various countries. The situation escalated, resulting in tragic consequences for those on board, including hostages and terrorists alike. The Indian government worked to resolve the crisis while international attention focused on the unfolding situation.
Continue ReadingTerrorist Attack on Neve Shalom Synagogue
Two terrorists from Abu Nidal's organization launched an attack inside the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, killing 22 people and injuring six congregants. The attack occurred during Shabbat services, a significant time for Jewish worship, marking a sharp escalation in violence against Jewish communities worldwide. The assailants were heavily armed and targeted a place of worship, demonstrating the intent to instill fear and cause chaos.
Continue ReadingPinochet Survives Assassination Attempt
In a coordinated attack, the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) ambushed Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's motorcade in Santiago, resulting in five of his bodyguards being killed. The attack was part of a broader campaign against the Pinochet regime, which had been characterized by repression and authoritarian rule since the coup in 1973. Although Pinochet survived, the assassination attempt marked a significant escalation in the efforts of leftist groups to destabilize his government. This event highlighted the growing unrest and opposition to his rule during the 1980s.
Continue ReadingDesmond Tutu Leads Anglican Diocese of Cape Town
Desmond Tutu assumed leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town, becoming the first black bishop in this prominent position. This groundbreaking event signified a shift in traditional church leadership and highlighted the ongoing struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Desmond Tutu's appointment was marked by a ceremony at St. George's Cathedral, where he emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation in a divided nation.
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