Aberfan Flashcards
When did the Aberfan disaster occur?
It happened on 21 October 1966 following days of heavy rainfall.
What caused the Aberfan disaster?
A coal spoil tip collapsed after becoming waterlogged and unstable.
How many people died in the Aberfan disaster?
144 people died including 116 children and 28 adults.
What type of hazard occurred at Aberfan?
A debris flow or rotational landslide of saturated colliery waste.
How much material collapsed during the landslide?
Around 150000 cubic metres of coal waste surged downhill.
What time did the landslide reach the school?
It struck Pantglas Junior School at 9.15am during lessons.
How far did the debris flow travel?
The spoil tip moved over 500 metres destroying buildings in its path.
What was the main human error involved?
The National Coal Board ignored repeated local warnings about tip instability.
What warning signs were present before the disaster?
There were earlier minor slips and water seepage noticed by residents.
What major changes occurred after the inquiry?
Strict regulations were introduced on spoil tip safety and placement.
Which organisation was found responsible?
The National Coal Board was held negligent for failing to manage the tip safely.
What is the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969?
A law introduced to regulate spoil tips requiring proper drainage and stability checks.
How is spoil tip safety ensured today?
Engineering inspections monitoring and drainage systems are used on all waste tips.
