Today in History: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
1985: The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz
On November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupted, causing one of the worst volcanic disasters in history. The eruption triggered a massive lahar, a mudflow composed of volcanic ash, debris, and water, that raced down the slopes of the volcano and buried the town of Armero, killing over 25,000 people.
The eruption was preceded by a series of earthquakes that had been shaking the region for several weeks. On the morning of November 13, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered a large ice avalanche on the volcano's summit, which melted the ice and snow on the volcano's slopes and created a massive lahar.
The lahar traveled at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, reaching the town of Armero in just minutes. The town was completely destroyed, and most of its inhabitants were killed. The lahar also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture in the surrounding area.
2001: The release of the first Harry Potter film
On November 13, 2001, the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was released in theaters worldwide. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $974 million worldwide.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. It tells the story of Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The film was directed by Chris Columbus and stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. The film was a major breakthrough for all three actors, and it helped to launch the Harry Potter franchise, which has become one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
2015: The Paris attacks
On November 13, 2015, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks took place in Paris, France. The attacks killed 130 people and injured over 350.
The attacks began at the Stade de France, where a group of terrorists detonated suicide bombs outside the stadium during a friendly football match between France and Germany. Other attacks took place at the Bataclan concert hall, where terrorists took hostages and killed 89 people, and at several restaurants and bars in the 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris.
The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The attacks were the deadliest in France since World War II, and they caused widespread shock and grief around the world.
Conclusion
Today in history, November 13, marks several significant events. From the tragic eruption of Nevado del Ruiz to the release of the first Harry Potter film to the horrific Paris attacks, these events have had a lasting impact on the world. We must remember these events and learn from them to prevent future tragedies.
