The 1966 Aberfan Disaster
Compact Disasters
On 21 October 1966, a wall of coal waste roared down a hillside into the Welsh village of Aberfan, engulfing homes and Pantglas Junior School in seconds. One hundred and forty-four people were killed, including 116 children, in a tragedy that shocked the world and exposed a chain of negligence. In this episode, we revisit the heartbreaking events of that morning, the fight for justice, and the legacy that ensures Aberfan is never forgotten. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly,...
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The 2020 Beirut Explosion
Compact Disasters
In August 2020, a massive explosion tore through Beirut, killing over 200 people and leaving the city in ruins. At the heart of the tragedy? A forgotten cache of ammonium nitrate, years of negligence, and a system in freefall. This episode unpacks the blast, the blame, and the long road to justice for a wounded capital. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by say, buying us a coffee, then please head on over to to see how. An article supporting this...
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Tulip Mania
Compact Disasters
In the 1600s, the Dutch Republic witnessed one of history’s most infamous financial frenzies, the Tulip Mania. Prices for rare bulbs skyrocketed and then crashed almost overnight. But was it really the world’s first bubble, or just a case of economic myth-making? In this episode, we dig into the petals, the profits, and the popular misconceptions. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by say, buying us a coffee, then please head on over to to see how. ...
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The Sinking of the Prestige
Compact Disasters
In 2002, the oil tanker Prestige broke apart off the coast of Spain, spilling thousands of tonnes of toxic fuel into the Atlantic and unleashing one of Europe’s worst environmental disasters. In this episode, we trace the ship’s final hours, the fateful decisions that led to catastrophe, and the massive ecological and political fallout that followed. It’s a story of rust, risk, and responsibility, with a slick of denial spread across the surface. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us...
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The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
Compact Disasters
In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia was just minutes from landing when it broke apart high above Earth, killing all seven astronauts aboard. In this episode, we explore how a routine mission turned tragic, from the unnoticed damage during launch to the catastrophic failure during re-entry. It’s a story of foam, fire, and fatal assumptions that reshaped NASA and left a permanent mark on space exploration. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by say, buying us a coffee, then please...
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Meltdown at Three Mile Island
Compact Disasters
In 1979, America came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe. In this episode, we unpack the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island, the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history. From a stuck valve and human error to mass panic and global fallout for the nuclear industry, this disaster changed how the world views atomic energy. Tune in to discover how a small malfunction nearly sparked a much bigger crisis. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by say, buying us a coffee, then...
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The Brazilian Amazon Deforestation Crisis
Compact Disasters
The lungs of the Earth are under attack. In this episode, we explore the ongoing deforestation crisis in the Brazilian Amazon — a disaster unfolding not with explosions, but with chainsaws and bulldozers. Learn how illegal logging, agriculture, and political tensions are devastating the rainforest, fuelling climate change, and threatening countless species. It’s a man-made crisis with global consequences — and it’s still happening today. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more...
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The 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Compact Disasters
In 2008, the world watched as banks collapsed, stock markets crashed, and economies unravelled. In this episode, we explore how risky loans, financial greed, and a housing bubble combined to trigger the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. From Wall Street to high streets around the globe, millions felt the shockwaves — and the aftershocks are still being felt today. Tune in to discover how the global economy nearly fell off a cliff in just a few minutes. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would...
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The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
Compact Disasters
In 1915, the RMS Lusitania was a symbol of luxury and speed — until a German U-boat turned it into a symbol of tragedy. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the torpedo strike that sent the grand ocean liner to the bottom of the sea, the international outrage that followed, and how one sinking ship helped push the world closer to total war. It’s a tale of war, warning signs, and one very deadly decision on the high seas. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by...
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The Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse
Compact Disasters
In 1981, a night of dancing and celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City turned into one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we unpack the shocking collapse of two skywalks packed with people, the design flaw that sealed their fate, and the lasting legacy on engineering practices worldwide. Tune in for a chilling reminder that sometimes disaster is hiding right above our heads. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly,...
info_outlineIn Episode 33 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. Striking the Tokyo-Yokohama region on 1 September, the powerful earthquake and the subsequent fires destroyed entire cities, leaving over 140,000 people dead. The disaster reshaped Japan’s urban landscape and exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, leading to significant changes in disaster preparedness. Amidst the tragedy, social unrest and misinformation fuelled violent reprisals, adding to the catastrophe’s impact. Join us as we explore the destruction, aftermath, and long-term consequences of this catastrophic event.
Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts, and if you would like to support us more directly, by say, buying us a coffee, then please head on over to 5minutedisasters.com/coffee to see how.
An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://5minutedisasters.com/the-great-kanto-earthquake/
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