History Daily The Vajont Dam Disaster
Oct 9, 2025
On October 9, 1963, a catastrophic landslide at the Vajont Dam unleashed a tsunami-like wave, claiming over 2,000 lives. Tensions within the Coletti family hinted at looming danger as rumors spread. Engineers ignored early warnings about potential landslides, leading to disastrous decisions about the dam's water level. The night of the disaster saw a seismic shock followed by unimaginable destruction in Longarone. Post-tragedy, the dam stands as a haunting memorial, reflecting on the consequences of negligence.
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Child Survivor's Night Of Terror
- Twelve-year-old Michaela Coletti and her family are swept by a 246-foot wave that buries their home and kills most of her relatives.
- Michaela becomes one of only 30 child survivors of the inland tsunami triggered by the landslide into the Vajont reservoir.
Local Knowledge Versus Engineering Ambition
- The Vajont Dam project ignored local knowledge about Mount Tauch, known as the 'Walking Mountain' for frequent landslides.
- Engineers prioritized a record-breaking dam and electricity supply over clear geological risks described by locals and researchers.
Engineer Who Raised Early Warnings
- Carlo Semenza discovered an ancient landslide and documented it with maps and photos, then warned the Adriatic Electric Company.
- The company dismissed his concerns and instructed him to proceed, leading to the dam's completion in 1960.
