3 February, 1972 - 50 years ago today, in Iran
The first day of the deadliest snowstorm in recorded history strikes in rural Iran.
It killed over 4,000 people; one of only two snowstorms ever known to have killed more than a thousand people.
Over the course of 7 days the blizzard dumped as much as 28 feet of snow. Entire towns were buried, trees and power lines downed, railways and roads disappeared. Buildings and even vehicles were crushed by the weight of the snow.
When the villages of Kakkan, Kumar, and Sheklab were finally uncovered days later, not a single survivor was found.
Curiosity Corner:
What were the other most deadly snowstorms in history?
What is the deepest snow you’ve ever experienced?
What should you do if your home is buried in a blizzard?
Get curious:
The worst blizzards of all time from MSN
Ten deadliest blizzards in history on World Atlas.
Iran Blizzard 1972 on Devistating Disasters.
How to survive a blizzard on Survive Nature.
What else makes February 3rd special around the world?
In Japan, today is Setsubum, the day before the beginning of the new season, usually referring to the Spring Setsubum. Male heads of household drive out demons and invite luck into their homes.
It is celebrated at Buddhist and Shinto shrines around the country as priests and guests throw roasted soy beans, candies, and prizes for people to catch.
Famous births on 3 February, under the sign of Aquarius
American doctor Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) 1st woman to get a medical degree in the U.S.,
NFL football star Fran Tarkenton (1940-),
recently convicted business fraud Elizabeth Holmes (1984-),
English actor Warwick Davis (1970-),
Queen of England Elizabeth Woodville (1437-1492),
and Painter Norman Rockwell (1894-1978).
“When I go to farms or little towns, I’m always surprised by the discontent I find. And New York, too often, has looked across the sea to Europe. And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life.”
- Norman Rockwell
🎶🎙️🎹 My song pick for today is Elton John's Crocodile Rock, which hit #1 on this day in 1973
Today is the 34th day of the year on the Gregorian calendar. 331 days remaining.
It is 13.0.9.4.11 on the Mayan long count calendar.
It is day 7 - Monkey, in the 13 day cycle of the Snake, in the solar year of the Rabbit on the Aztec calendar.
It is 2 Adar I, 5782 on the Jewish calendar.