From Chernobyl to Nepal floods: Why 26 is turning into a deadly date

The date is the 26th, regardless of the month and year. But why is an ordinary date in focus all of a sudden?

The reason is several major natural disasters, including the latest deadly flash floods in Nepal, which took place on August 26, and crimes like the Mumbai terror attack and the Chornobyl nuclear accident on April 26, 1986, all took place on the 26th.

The list does not end there. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake that killed about 20,000 people, the 1939 earthquake in Turkey that killed more than 32,700 people to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in which 228,000 people were killed, missing and presumed dead, all took place on the 26th.

Here is a look at the major fatal disasters that took place on the 26th.

August 26, 2026: Nepal flash floods

A massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district and downstream areas after a sudden surge of water and debris entered the Bhote Koshi river system. Settlements were inundated, roads and bridges washed away, while hydropower projects and other infrastructure were damaged. As of August 31, authorities reported over 900 deaths and nearly 4,500 missing.

Also Read: Nepal’s deadliest disasters: From earthquakes to flash floods and avalanches

October 26, 2015: Hindu Kush earthquake

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region, affecting Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of northern India. It caused widespread damage and reportedly killed about 400 people, with most casualties reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

May 26, 2006: Yogyakarta earthquake, Indonesia

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Yogyakarta on Indonesia’s Java island, causing extensive destruction. Thousands of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed, while more than 5,700 people were killed.

Also Read: Nepal floods: People from more than 30 countries reported missing

July 26, 2005: Maharashtra floods

Exceptionally heavy monsoon rain lashed Maharashtra on July 26, 2005, triggering catastrophic flooding, particularly in Mumbai. The city received around 944 mm of rain in 24 hours, inundating roads, homes and railway lines and bringing normal life to a standstill. A total of 1,094 people were killed in Maharashtra.

December 26, 2004: Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

A magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off Sumatra on December 26, 2004, triggering a massive tsunami across countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand were among the worst affected. About 228,000 people were killed or left missing and presumed dead.

Also Read: Nepal flash floods: 37 tourists from TN, 32 from Bengal among those missing

December 26, 2003: Bam earthquake, Iran

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Bam, Iran, destroying much of the historic city and surrounding settlements. Thousands of buildings collapsed, and about 31,000 deaths were widely reported.

March 25-26, 2002: Afghanistan earthquakes

A series of earthquakes struck northern Afghanistan overnight on March 25-26, devastating parts of Baghlan province. Mud-brick homes collapsed, and thousands were left homeless. Early estimates put the death toll as high as 1,800, although later assessments varied significantly.

January 26, 2001: Gujarat earthquake

A powerful earthquake struck Gujarat, devastating large parts of the state, particularly Kutch. More than 166,000 people were injured, and around 20,000 were killed.

The list goes back further. Earthquakes in China, Indonesia, Japan, Turkey and Greece also struck on the 26th, killing hundreds or thousands. The April 26, 1990 Gonghe earthquake in China killed more than 100 people, while the November 26, 1987 Pantar earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia killed 125. The May 26, 1983 Sea of Japan earthquake and tsunami killed 104 people.

Also Read: Nepal floods: Survivors recall terrifying escapes from raging waters

The July 26, 1963 Skopje earthquake killed about 1,070 people and left more than 200,000 homeless. Turkey’s November 26, 1943 Ladik earthquake killed about 4,020, while the December 26, 1939 Erzincan earthquake killed about 32,700. Greece’s September 26, 1932 Lerissos earthquake had an estimated death toll ranging from about 160 to nearly 500. Japan’s November 26, 1930 North Izu earthquake killed around 250 people, with later catalogues recording 272 deaths.

Human-made tragedies

The 26th has also been linked to several deadly human-made disasters.

On September 26, 2023, a fire at a wedding hall in Qaraqosh, Iraq, killed more than 100 people after indoor pyrotechnics ignited highly flammable material. On August 26, 2021, a suicide bomber from Islamic State-Khorasan province attacked crowds at Kabul airport during the US-led evacuation from Afghanistan. At least 183 people were killed, including 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US service members.

Also Read: Nepal floods: 77 Isha Foundation pilgrims remain untraceable

The November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks began when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists launched coordinated attacks across the city. The nearly three-day siege killed 166 victims, while nine attackers were also killed and more than 300 people were injured.

April 26, 1986: Chernobyl accident

On May 26, 1991, Lauda Air Flight 004 crashed in Thailand after an uncommanded engine thrust reverser deployment caused the Boeing 767 to lose control. All 223 people aboard were killed.

Then came April 26, 1986, when Reactor No. 4 at Chernobyl exploded during a safety test in then-Soviet Ukraine. The immediate official death toll was 31, while long-term radiation-related deaths remain a matter of scientific estimation.

On April 26, 1942, a gas and coal dust explosion at China’s Benxihu coal mine killed 1,549 miners through carbon monoxide poisoning.

(With agency inputs)