Posted on Jul 17, 2017
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On this day in 1887, a dam breaks in Zug, Switzerland, killing 70 people in their homes and destroying a large section of the town.
The dam at Zug was 80 feet high and made of concrete. When the dam was built, concrete-making and setting techniques were not as advanced as they are today. The water pressure on the dam slowly eroded the concrete, finally causing it to collapse on July 10.
The resulting wall of water was so powerful that it picked up and washed away large farm animals. It uprooted trees and carried them downstream toward the town. Unsuspecting patrons at a cafe lost their lives when the roaring water and debris suddenly descended upon them. Rescue boats launched to assist people caught up in the sudden flood were ineffective, as some of those on the boats drowned when they capsized in the roiling waters.
One report claimed that a baby was found alive floating in a cradle, but this story cannot be confirmed.
The dam at Zug was 80 feet high and made of concrete. When the dam was built, concrete-making and setting techniques were not as advanced as they are today. The water pressure on the dam slowly eroded the concrete, finally causing it to collapse on July 10.
The resulting wall of water was so powerful that it picked up and washed away large farm animals. It uprooted trees and carried them downstream toward the town. Unsuspecting patrons at a cafe lost their lives when the roaring water and debris suddenly descended upon them. Rescue boats launched to assist people caught up in the sudden flood were ineffective, as some of those on the boats drowned when they capsized in the roiling waters.
One report claimed that a baby was found alive floating in a cradle, but this story cannot be confirmed.
Dam collapses in Switzerland, kills 70 - Jul 10, 1887 - HISTORY.com
Posted from history.comPosted in these groups: 
Natural Disaster
Natural Disaster
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Thanks for reminding us TSgt Joe C. that on July 10, 1887 a dam breaks in Zug, Switzerland, killing 70 people in their homes and destroying a large section of the town.
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Imagine the damage from the Dam in Cali if it broke....? This was probably small by comparison....
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TSgt Joe C.: HOW VERY TRAGIC THAT SEVENTY PEOPLE DIED IN THIS TRAGEDY! GREAT ABOUT THE (UNCONFIRMED) REPORT ABOUT THE BABY FOUND FLOATING ALIVE IN ITS CRADLE!
-Best to You, Joe-
Margaret
-Best to You, Joe-
Margaret
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