1979 Machchhu dam failure

The 1979 Machchhu Dam failure was a catastrophic structural collapse of the Machchhu Dam in Morbi, Gujarat, India, which occurred on August 11, 1979. The dam, initially constructed in the 1950s for irrigation and water supply, was overtopped due to excessive rainfall following a monsoon storm. This led to a critical failure of its earthen embankment, resulting in a sudden and massive flood that inundated the surrounding areas. The disaster caused significant loss of life, with estimates of fatalities ranging from several hundred to over 2,000 people, alongside widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. The event prompted significant changes in dam safety regulations and emergency response mechanisms in India, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring public infrastructure.