Looking Back At New Zealand’s Most Known Disasters

Trials are inevitable for humans. Catastrophes, tragedies, and disasters from nature are hard to be handled. There are many cases worldwide relating to nature. When it comes to nature, nature is bound to win over humans. However, not all tragedies happen because of nature. Some of them are because of humans mistakes.

Recently, New Zealand was hit by Cyclone Gabriella, and the government declared a state of emergency for the country. It is the third declaration of emergency, which tells us how horrendous the disaster is.

Let’s look back at other tragedies in New Zealand that used to shock the world:

1) Floods

Picture: ABC
  • Kopuawhara floods (1938)
  • Southland floods (1984)

2) Cyclones

Picture: NZHistory
  • Cyclone Giselle (1968)
  • The Cyclone Bola (1988)
  • Cyclone Gabriella (2023)

3) Earthquakes

Picture: NZHistory
  • Wellington earthquake (1855)
  • Murchison earthquake (1929)
  • Hawke’s Bay earthquake (1931)
  • Inangahua earthquake (1968)
  • Edgecumbe earthquake (1987)
  • ‘Greendale’ earthquake (2010)
  • Christchurch earthquake (2011)

4) Volcano eruption

  • Mount Tarawera eruption (1886)
  • White Island volcano eruption (2019)

5) Landslides

Picture: TRT World
  • Abbotsford landslide (1979)

6) Aircraft accidents

Picture: Medium
  • Lockheed Electra ZK-AGK Kaka (1948)
  • Lockheed Lodestar ZK-AFX Kereru (1949)
  • Russley Golf Course (1957)
  • DC-3 Skyliner ZK-AYZ Hastings (1963)
  • Mt Erebus (1979)
  • New Brighton hot air balloon (1995)

7) Bus accident

  • The Brynderwyns bus accident (1963)

8) Railway accidents

Picture: NZHistory
  • Ongarue Railway Accident (1923)
  • Hyde Railway Accident (1943)
  • Tangiwai Railway Accident (1953)
  • The Brynderwyns Bus accident (1963)

9) Epidemic and Pandemic

  • H1N1 Influenza epidemic
  • COVID-19 pandemic

10) Buildings

Picture: NZHistory
  • Seacliff Mental Hospital (1942)
  • Ballantyne’s Fire – Christchurch (1947)
  • Cave Creek – West Coast South Island (1995)

Out of all disasters worldwide, which one that you remember the most?

Source: Christchurch City Council Libraries

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Coca‑Cola Brings Back ‘Share a Coke’ Now With a Proudly Malaysian Twist

This Merdeka, Coca‑Cola is turning up the nostalgia and the local flavour. The iconic ‘Share… Read More

15 hours ago

11 Women, 8 Countries, 1 Dream: ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships 2025 Announced

Picture this: 11 brilliant women from across ASEAN are packing their bags, not just for… Read More

19 hours ago

L’Oréal Malaysia Celebrates 30 Years of Beauty Innovation and Impact

L’Oréal Groupe today marked its 30th anniversary in Malaysia, celebrating three decades of bringing world-class… Read More

19 hours ago

Smiles Are the New Flex, But 34% of Malaysians Still Hide Theirs

Smiles aren’t just cosmetic anymore they’re currency. But here’s the catch: 34% of people admit… Read More

19 hours ago

Malaysia’s Coffee Game Levels Up with NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate

Coffee culture isn’t slowing down anytime soon and Malaysia is now officially on the global… Read More

20 hours ago

Voices Through Colours: Young Neurodivergent Artists Shine at Manja KL

KL’s creative scene just got brighter with “Voices Through Colours”, an art exhibition that celebrated… Read More

20 hours ago

This website uses cookies.