What Happened This Year 2019

Historical Events from This Year 2019

Natural Disasters

Whakaari / White Island Eruption Kills 22

December 9th, 2019 5 years ago

Whakaari / White Island, an active stratovolcano in New Zealand, erupted while 47 people were on the island. The disaster unleashed a violent ash plume, affecting local and foreign tourists. Emergency services struggled with rescue efforts due to ongoing volcanic activity. Authorities confirmed 22 fatalities shortly after the eruption, with many others hospitalized with severe injuries. The event raised significant concerns over the safety of tourism in volcanic regions.

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Crime & Law

Ostrava Hospital Attack Leaves Eight Dead

December 10th, 2019 5 years ago

A mass shooting at a hospital in Ostrava, Czech Republic, resulted in eight fatalities, including the shooter. The attack took place in a waiting room, where the perpetrator opened fire with a firearm. Quickly after the attack commenced, police responded and located the shooter. After fleeing the scene, the shooter later took his own life when confronted by law enforcement. The incident shocked the nation and raised questions about gun control and public safety standards.

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Politics & Government

Bougainville Votes for Independence

December 11th, 2019 5 years ago

The results of the Bougainville independence referendum reveal an overwhelming majority in favor of independence, with over 98% of voters supporting secession from Papua New Guinea. The referendum marks a significant step in the long-standing aspiration of the Bougainvillean people for self-determination, stemming from years of civil conflict and political negotiations. The process was facilitated by a peace agreement established to end hostilities and create a pathway for self-governance.

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Politics & Government

Donald Trump Impeached by House of Representatives

December 18th, 2019 5 years ago

The United States House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump, marking a significant moment in American political history. The vote concluded with a majority in favor of the impeachment articles, which charged Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. This action stemmed from a whistleblower complaint regarding Trump's dealings with Ukraine, specifically his request for an investigation into political rival Joe Biden. This impeachment was the third in U.S. history.

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Military & Warfare

First New Armed Forces Branch Since 1947

December 20th, 2019 5 years ago

The United States Space Force was established as an independent military service branch within the Department of the Air Force. This move marked a significant expansion of U.S. military capabilities into space, driven by growing national security concerns regarding space as a potential battlefield. Unlocking the complexities of space defense required a dedicated force to protect American interests in space, reflecting a strategic shift in how the U.S. perceives the domain of space warfare.

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Natural Disasters

Typhoon Phanfone Strikes the Philippines

December 25th, 2019 5 years ago

Typhoon Phanfone, a powerful tropical cyclone, struck the Philippines shortly before Christmas, resulting in the deaths of twenty individuals and leaving thousands homeless. The typhoon made landfall in Eastern Samar, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that devastated communities. The storm affected the region's infrastructure and local economies, leading to extensive damage and prompting rescue operations by government agencies and humanitarian organizations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Bek Air Flight 2100 Crash in Kazakhstan

December 27th, 2019 5 years ago

Bek Air Flight 2100 crashed shortly after takeoff from Almaty International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 13 passengers. The aircraft, a Fokker 100, lost altitude and reportedly hit a concrete fence before coming to rest in a nearby hillside. Aviation authorities began an immediate investigation into the causes of the accident, focusing on potential technical failures and pilot error. The crash marked a significant tragedy in Kazakhstan's aviation history, raising concerns about safety standards.

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Health & Medicine

WHO Reports Mysterious Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan

December 31st, 2019 5 years ago

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of pneumonia cases with unknown causes detected in Wuhan, China. The unknown illness had caught the attention of local health authorities, prompting them to notify the WHO. As investigations began, it became clear that the incidents were linked to a seafood market in the city, raising concerns about a potential outbreak of a new infectious disease. This notification set off a global alert leading to heightened surveillance and research into the cause.

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