1 00:00:02,253 --> 00:00:06,046 Narrator: This is the story of america, 2 00:00:06,123 --> 00:00:08,966 Seen in color for the very first time. 3 00:00:11,295 --> 00:00:14,212 In the 20th century, americans live in areas 4 00:00:14,223 --> 00:00:18,467 Exposed to terrifying natural forces. 5 00:00:18,477 --> 00:00:21,053 Newsman: We are in the path where the eye of the hurricane 6 00:00:21,063 --> 00:00:22,980 Is expected to pass over. 7 00:00:23,057 --> 00:00:25,065 Narrator: Attempts to control nature 8 00:00:25,151 --> 00:00:29,069 Also lead to man-made catastrophes. 9 00:00:29,146 --> 00:00:31,572 Man: Oh, the humanity! 10 00:00:31,648 --> 00:00:33,657 Narrator: Horrified and fascinated, 11 00:00:33,734 --> 00:00:36,910 Americans are quick to record the consequences 12 00:00:36,987 --> 00:00:39,154 But slow to respond. 13 00:00:39,165 --> 00:00:41,081 Man: My wife must have went over the rail. 14 00:00:41,292 --> 00:00:43,825 I don't know whether she's alive or not. 15 00:00:43,836 --> 00:00:45,919 Narrator: Experience makes america better 16 00:00:45,996 --> 00:00:48,088 At dealing with disaster 17 00:00:48,165 --> 00:00:52,092 And more savvy about how the planet works. 18 00:00:52,169 --> 00:00:55,587 Man: Public service such as this contributed significantly 19 00:00:55,598 --> 00:00:58,098 To minimizing the loss of life and property 20 00:00:58,267 --> 00:01:00,100 In this catastrophe. 21 00:01:00,177 --> 00:01:01,176 Narrator: This is the story 22 00:01:01,187 --> 00:01:04,346 Of how disasters have shaped america, 23 00:01:04,356 --> 00:01:07,432 As you have never seen it before. 24 00:01:07,443 --> 00:01:10,519 [crash] 25 00:01:10,529 --> 00:01:22,706 ♪ 26 00:01:22,783 --> 00:01:24,616 John kennedy: I want us to recapture that... 27 00:01:24,627 --> 00:01:34,676 ♪ 28 00:01:34,678 --> 00:01:40,140 ♪ 29 00:01:40,309 --> 00:01:42,142 Narrator: Acrobat joseph spah 30 00:01:42,219 --> 00:01:45,137 Is famous for his drunken balancing act. 31 00:01:45,147 --> 00:01:49,650 ♪ 32 00:01:49,726 --> 00:01:53,070 Over manhattan, he uses clever camera angles 33 00:01:53,147 --> 00:01:57,065 To heighten the illusion that he is flirting with disaster. 34 00:01:57,076 --> 00:02:02,246 ♪ 35 00:02:02,322 --> 00:02:06,908 In spring 1937, spah is on tour in europe 36 00:02:06,919 --> 00:02:09,911 When he receives a last-minute booking in new york. 37 00:02:09,922 --> 00:02:18,336 ♪ 38 00:02:18,347 --> 00:02:21,181 Spah's transatlantic trip will be on board 39 00:02:21,350 --> 00:02:23,100 The most glamorous and sophisticated 40 00:02:23,177 --> 00:02:25,269 Transportation of the day-- 41 00:02:25,345 --> 00:02:28,230 German airship hindenburg. 42 00:02:31,527 --> 00:02:35,779 In frankfurt, 97 well-heeled passengers and crew 43 00:02:35,856 --> 00:02:40,358 Prepare for the two-and-a-half-day journey. 44 00:02:40,369 --> 00:02:43,203 Even on its 35th atlantic crossing, 45 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:45,205 Hindenburg draws a crowd. 46 00:02:45,416 --> 00:02:47,616 [cheering] 47 00:02:47,626 --> 00:02:51,211 The crew casts off on the evening of may 3rd. 48 00:02:51,422 --> 00:02:53,422 [cheering] 49 00:02:57,428 --> 00:03:00,971 Inside the airship, spah and fellow passengers 50 00:03:01,048 --> 00:03:05,717 Enjoy comfortable surroundings and five-star treatment. 51 00:03:05,728 --> 00:03:09,721 ♪ 52 00:03:09,732 --> 00:03:11,723 There is a fully equipped kitchen, 53 00:03:11,734 --> 00:03:15,861 Serving a lavish menu of lobster and other delicacies... 54 00:03:18,407 --> 00:03:22,409 ...As well as luxury sleeping berths. 55 00:03:22,486 --> 00:03:24,995 Spah shoots his own home movies. 56 00:03:25,072 --> 00:03:28,916 Here he enjoys views from the observation deck. 57 00:03:28,992 --> 00:03:31,835 Ever the daredevil, he even takes his camera 58 00:03:31,912 --> 00:03:36,414 Up to the top of the hydrogen-filled frame. 59 00:03:36,425 --> 00:03:39,676 Day two, north atlantic icebergs 60 00:03:39,753 --> 00:03:42,337 Are not a problem for hindenburg. 61 00:03:42,348 --> 00:03:47,267 Crossing ice fields, it casts dramatic shadows. 62 00:03:47,436 --> 00:03:49,511 But the weather is fickle. 63 00:03:49,521 --> 00:03:55,275 Strong winds delay the zeppelin. 64 00:03:55,444 --> 00:03:59,104 By the time hindenburg reaches long island sound, 65 00:03:59,114 --> 00:04:01,907 The airship is eight hours late. 66 00:04:05,445 --> 00:04:06,870 Spah continues to film 67 00:04:06,947 --> 00:04:09,698 As hindenburg cruises over manhattan 68 00:04:09,708 --> 00:04:11,708 Toward lakehurst, new jersey, 69 00:04:11,785 --> 00:04:14,836 Where airfield crews are making ready. 70 00:04:18,509 --> 00:04:21,293 News reporters are positioned for filming. 71 00:04:21,303 --> 00:04:25,472 ♪ 72 00:04:25,549 --> 00:04:29,559 And radio announcer herb morrison is in from chicago 73 00:04:29,636 --> 00:04:31,636 To give an eyewitness account. 74 00:04:31,647 --> 00:04:33,313 Herb morrison: Well, here it comes, ladies and gentlemen, 75 00:04:33,399 --> 00:04:35,807 And what a great sight it is, a thrilling one. 76 00:04:35,818 --> 00:04:38,318 It's a marvelous sight. It's coming down out of the sky. 77 00:04:38,404 --> 00:04:43,231 It's pointed directly towards us and toward the mooring mast. 78 00:04:43,242 --> 00:04:48,161 Narrator: Passengers crowd the hindenburg observation deck. 79 00:04:48,238 --> 00:04:52,165 Spah is hoping to spot his wife evelyn and their children, 80 00:04:52,242 --> 00:04:53,491 Waiting below. 81 00:04:53,502 --> 00:04:59,339 ♪ 82 00:04:59,425 --> 00:05:04,845 But no one could predict what is about to happen. 83 00:05:04,921 --> 00:05:06,588 Morrison: It's practically standing still. 84 00:05:06,598 --> 00:05:10,091 Now they've dropped ropes out of the nose of the ship, 85 00:05:10,102 --> 00:05:13,353 And, uh, they've been taken ahold of down on the field 86 00:05:13,430 --> 00:05:15,355 By a number of men. 87 00:05:15,432 --> 00:05:16,440 The back motors of the ship 88 00:05:16,516 --> 00:05:19,851 Are just holding it, uh, just enough-- 89 00:05:19,862 --> 00:05:22,946 [explosion] 90 00:05:23,023 --> 00:05:24,531 It burst into flames! Get this, charlie! 91 00:05:24,608 --> 00:05:27,367 Get this, charlie! It's fire, and it's crashing! 92 00:05:27,578 --> 00:05:28,785 It's crashing terrible! 93 00:05:28,862 --> 00:05:30,871 Oh, my! Get out of the way, please! 94 00:05:30,947 --> 00:05:32,530 It's burning and bursting into flames, 95 00:05:32,541 --> 00:05:34,374 And the, and it's falling on the mooring mast, 96 00:05:34,543 --> 00:05:36,376 And all the folks between it. This is terrible. 97 00:05:36,453 --> 00:05:39,379 This is one of the worst catastrophes in the world. 98 00:05:39,456 --> 00:05:42,382 Oh...The flames, climbing, 99 00:05:42,551 --> 00:05:45,635 Oh, 400 or 500 feet into the sky, and it, 100 00:05:45,712 --> 00:05:47,971 It's a terrific crash, ladies and gentlemen. 101 00:05:48,048 --> 00:05:49,881 There's smoke, and there's flames now, 102 00:05:49,892 --> 00:05:52,392 And the frame is crashing to the ground. 103 00:05:52,519 --> 00:05:54,302 Oh, the humanity! 104 00:05:54,313 --> 00:05:55,970 I don't believe-- 105 00:05:55,981 --> 00:05:59,974 I can't even talk to people whose friends are on there. 106 00:05:59,985 --> 00:06:02,402 It's, it's, it's, uh! 107 00:06:02,571 --> 00:06:04,988 I, I can't talk, ladies and gentlemen. 108 00:06:05,065 --> 00:06:14,748 ♪ 109 00:06:14,825 --> 00:06:17,501 Narrator: 35 passengers and crew 110 00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:22,422 And one member of the ground team die. 111 00:06:22,499 --> 00:06:28,261 Amazingly, two-thirds of those aboard, 62 people, survive. 112 00:06:28,338 --> 00:06:36,603 ♪ 113 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:40,682 Joseph spah is one of the lucky ones. 114 00:06:40,692 --> 00:06:44,602 He uses his camera to smash the window of the observation deck 115 00:06:44,613 --> 00:06:46,771 And leap to safety. 116 00:06:46,782 --> 00:06:51,451 The moment is captured by news cameras. 117 00:06:51,537 --> 00:06:55,455 Spah breaks an ankle and burns his hands 118 00:06:55,624 --> 00:06:59,459 But revels in simply being alive. 119 00:06:59,586 --> 00:07:01,461 Joseph spah: It all happened so fast. 120 00:07:01,630 --> 00:07:04,289 There isn't much to figure about. 121 00:07:04,299 --> 00:07:07,625 I do think that I am very lucky that I am sitting home here 122 00:07:07,636 --> 00:07:09,469 In my own home again, 123 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:11,796 After this experience this afternoon, 124 00:07:11,807 --> 00:07:17,102 And as I said before, I'm just happy. 125 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:27,320 Narrator: At dawn, explosives experts study the wreckage. 126 00:07:27,397 --> 00:07:29,489 They theorize a spark ignited 127 00:07:29,566 --> 00:07:32,492 The highly flammable hydrogen gas, 128 00:07:32,569 --> 00:07:35,495 But no one ever finds out for sure. 129 00:07:35,572 --> 00:07:39,833 ♪ 130 00:07:39,910 --> 00:07:43,503 Other airship crashes have been deadlier, 131 00:07:43,580 --> 00:07:46,998 But no one filmed them. 132 00:07:47,009 --> 00:07:50,760 The images horrify moviegoers worldwide. 133 00:07:52,598 --> 00:07:57,267 Public appetite for airship travel disappears. 134 00:07:57,344 --> 00:08:01,763 It's the end of an era for these giants of the skies. 135 00:08:01,773 --> 00:08:05,600 But it's not the first time that graphic images of disaster 136 00:08:05,611 --> 00:08:08,904 Have had such a profound effect on americans. 137 00:08:13,693 --> 00:08:14,943 [film projector starts] 138 00:08:14,953 --> 00:08:20,290 ♪ 139 00:08:20,367 --> 00:08:24,461 Magician albert smith is an early filmmaking pioneer. 140 00:08:24,538 --> 00:08:28,548 ♪ 141 00:08:28,625 --> 00:08:33,211 In 1900, he uses the magic of the newly invented movie camera 142 00:08:33,222 --> 00:08:36,306 To great comic effect in his latest show. 143 00:08:38,810 --> 00:08:42,387 Later the same year, his camera will bear witness 144 00:08:42,397 --> 00:08:45,899 To the deadliest disaster in american history. 145 00:08:45,976 --> 00:08:51,196 ♪ 146 00:08:58,080 --> 00:09:00,989 A week before albert smith filmed here, 147 00:09:00,999 --> 00:09:05,669 Galveston was the busiest seaport in texas. 148 00:09:05,745 --> 00:09:09,747 On Saturday, September 8, 1900, 149 00:09:09,758 --> 00:09:13,176 A violent hurricane struck. 150 00:09:13,253 --> 00:09:15,753 15-foot waves left piles of rubble 151 00:09:15,764 --> 00:09:18,265 In place of elegant avenues. 152 00:09:19,935 --> 00:09:23,103 Here stood the fashionable tremont hotel. 153 00:09:24,681 --> 00:09:26,856 It once looked like this. 154 00:09:29,194 --> 00:09:33,613 No official warning precedes the deluge. 155 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:35,189 The local weather bureau, 156 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:38,952 Just over a decade old and with no modern equipment, 157 00:09:39,029 --> 00:09:43,281 Did not know how severe the storm would be. 158 00:09:43,292 --> 00:09:47,627 Here on broadway, the search for survivors is fruitless, 159 00:09:47,713 --> 00:09:50,505 And the stench of bodies carries for miles. 160 00:09:52,968 --> 00:09:55,969 The storm is thought to have killed 8,000, 161 00:09:56,046 --> 00:09:58,847 Nearly a quarter of the city's population. 162 00:10:01,301 --> 00:10:04,894 At st. Mary's orphanage, the bodies of 91 children, 163 00:10:04,971 --> 00:10:09,065 Tethered to 10 nuns, are found buried in the rubble. 164 00:10:09,142 --> 00:10:11,651 Albert smith's footage is the first to show 165 00:10:11,862 --> 00:10:14,654 The destruction of a hurricane. 166 00:10:14,865 --> 00:10:18,408 The harrowing images help to bring change. 167 00:10:20,871 --> 00:10:22,662 Local authorities pour funds 168 00:10:22,789 --> 00:10:26,574 Into an ambitious engineering project. 169 00:10:26,585 --> 00:10:30,837 They raise the city 16 feet 170 00:10:30,914 --> 00:10:34,582 And build a seawall. 171 00:10:34,593 --> 00:10:37,260 In 1915 and 1919, 172 00:10:37,337 --> 00:10:41,848 Hurricanes test galveston's defenses. 173 00:10:41,925 --> 00:10:46,102 Flooding occurs, but many fewer people die, 174 00:10:46,179 --> 00:10:49,356 And most buildings remain standing. 175 00:10:49,432 --> 00:10:54,686 But it's not enough to restore galveston's former glory. 176 00:10:54,696 --> 00:10:58,106 By the 1920s, houston, further inland, 177 00:10:58,116 --> 00:11:01,609 Has taken over as the major port in texas, 178 00:11:01,620 --> 00:11:03,536 Booming off the shipping business 179 00:11:03,613 --> 00:11:05,789 That once fueled galveston. 180 00:11:07,951 --> 00:11:11,202 But soon, a very different force of nature 181 00:11:11,213 --> 00:11:14,714 Will destroy a city on the west coast. 182 00:11:20,472 --> 00:11:25,308 In the spring of 1906, san francisco is bustling. 183 00:11:27,938 --> 00:11:31,481 Enriched by a gold rush nearly 60 years ago, 184 00:11:31,558 --> 00:11:32,732 The city by the bay 185 00:11:32,943 --> 00:11:35,735 Is the commercial heart of the american west. 186 00:11:38,815 --> 00:11:41,658 The miles brothers run a movie studio here. 187 00:11:43,987 --> 00:11:46,329 On Saturday, April 14th, 188 00:11:46,406 --> 00:11:49,824 The brothers mount a camera on a streetcar. 189 00:11:49,835 --> 00:11:52,836 They shoot "a trip down market street," 190 00:11:52,912 --> 00:11:54,912 Showcasing the cosmopolitan city 191 00:11:54,923 --> 00:11:57,757 All the way to the ferry terminal. 192 00:11:59,928 --> 00:12:04,338 But it is a view that will never be seen again. 193 00:12:04,349 --> 00:12:12,188 [crashing] 194 00:12:12,265 --> 00:12:13,440 Four days later, 195 00:12:13,516 --> 00:12:17,277 Just after 5 a.M. On Wednesday, April 18th, 196 00:12:17,353 --> 00:12:20,697 The biggest earthquake ever to hit san francisco 197 00:12:20,774 --> 00:12:23,116 Destroys the city. 198 00:12:23,193 --> 00:12:25,785 The tremor ends in less than a minute, 199 00:12:25,871 --> 00:12:28,279 But its impact is enormous. 200 00:12:28,290 --> 00:12:34,627 [explosions] 201 00:12:36,039 --> 00:12:39,290 Fires spark in ruptured gas pipes. 202 00:12:39,301 --> 00:12:46,380 ♪ 203 00:12:46,391 --> 00:12:51,719 Firefighters struggle as water pipes are damaged, too. 204 00:12:51,730 --> 00:12:54,388 Flames roar for three days, 205 00:12:54,399 --> 00:12:58,976 Doing more damage than the quake itself. 206 00:12:58,987 --> 00:13:00,728 This view of city hall 207 00:13:00,739 --> 00:13:05,533 Shows just a fraction of the 28,000 destroyed buildings. 208 00:13:07,954 --> 00:13:10,497 The miles brothers survive 209 00:13:10,573 --> 00:13:14,209 And film a very different trip down market street. 210 00:13:17,914 --> 00:13:19,163 This is the first time 211 00:13:19,174 --> 00:13:23,593 These films have run side by side in color. 212 00:13:26,339 --> 00:13:30,642 The ferry terminal is one of the few buildings to survive. 213 00:13:33,847 --> 00:13:36,347 3,000 are believed dead, 214 00:13:36,358 --> 00:13:41,269 And over 200,000 are now homeless. 215 00:13:41,279 --> 00:13:43,196 This tent city is one of many 216 00:13:43,273 --> 00:13:46,858 Improvised in parks and open spaces. 217 00:13:46,868 --> 00:13:49,452 It's not safe to cook indoors. 218 00:13:53,458 --> 00:13:58,670 Army mule trains haul supplies to otherwise inaccessible areas. 219 00:14:01,374 --> 00:14:05,677 Thousands cram the docks, trying to catch a ferry. 220 00:14:06,796 --> 00:14:07,887 [horn blows] 221 00:14:07,964 --> 00:14:11,808 Many take refuge across the bay in oakland. 222 00:14:11,885 --> 00:14:16,980 ♪ 223 00:14:17,056 --> 00:14:21,442 At the time, no one knows what causes earthquakes. 224 00:14:24,239 --> 00:14:26,906 But a group of scientists come together 225 00:14:26,992 --> 00:14:29,909 To analyze the aftermath. 226 00:14:29,986 --> 00:14:34,414 They collect data along the 250-mile path of destruction, 227 00:14:34,490 --> 00:14:38,918 Which has been recently named the san andreas fault. 228 00:14:39,129 --> 00:14:40,587 They conclude that quakes occur 229 00:14:40,663 --> 00:14:45,091 When faults in the land rupture abruptly. 230 00:14:45,168 --> 00:14:49,554 The study marks the beginning of modern earthquake science. 231 00:14:51,766 --> 00:14:53,507 Science or no science, 232 00:14:53,518 --> 00:14:57,103 San francisco sets out to rebuild. 233 00:14:57,180 --> 00:15:01,182 By 1912, the city is up and running, 234 00:15:01,192 --> 00:15:04,527 Though few structures are quake-ready. 235 00:15:04,604 --> 00:15:13,444 ♪ 236 00:15:13,455 --> 00:15:16,956 The city showcases its remarkable recovery 237 00:15:17,167 --> 00:15:21,294 By hosting an extravagant world's fair in 1915. 238 00:15:25,041 --> 00:15:29,969 Grand palaces, ornate fountains, and live performances 239 00:15:30,046 --> 00:15:34,215 Entertain over 19 million visitors, 240 00:15:34,225 --> 00:15:37,310 Including the biggest movie stars of the day, 241 00:15:37,387 --> 00:15:41,314 Fatty arbuckle and mabel normand. 242 00:15:41,391 --> 00:15:43,983 The exhibition is a fantastic example 243 00:15:44,060 --> 00:15:46,736 Of resilience and bravado. 244 00:15:48,156 --> 00:15:51,157 San francisco is back on its feet. 245 00:15:53,495 --> 00:15:54,369 [laughter] 246 00:15:56,739 --> 00:15:58,498 It's 1904. 247 00:15:58,574 --> 00:16:01,167 At brooklyn's coney island amusement park, 248 00:16:01,244 --> 00:16:05,171 Americans delight in artificial disaster. 249 00:16:05,248 --> 00:16:09,509 This damaged footage of one of the most popular attractions 250 00:16:09,585 --> 00:16:12,428 Is a rare survivor. 251 00:16:12,505 --> 00:16:17,258 "fighting the flames" is an elaborately choreographed show. 252 00:16:17,268 --> 00:16:20,344 Firefighters rescue actors from a burning building 253 00:16:20,355 --> 00:16:24,432 As acrobats hurl themselves into nets. 254 00:16:24,442 --> 00:16:28,102 The show makes a heroic spectacle of a growing problem 255 00:16:28,113 --> 00:16:32,106 In america's ever expanding cities. 256 00:16:32,117 --> 00:16:36,035 [fire alarm rings] 257 00:16:36,204 --> 00:16:39,080 New york's fire department has gone professional. 258 00:16:41,367 --> 00:16:44,535 Using steam-driven pumps mounted on wagons, 259 00:16:44,546 --> 00:16:49,707 They respond to over 10,000 fires a year. 260 00:16:49,718 --> 00:16:54,053 Across america, blazes are on the rise in crowded districts 261 00:16:54,180 --> 00:16:56,797 Built with little attention to safety. 262 00:16:56,808 --> 00:17:02,136 ♪ 263 00:17:02,147 --> 00:17:07,066 In 1911, motorized fire trucks debut. 264 00:17:07,235 --> 00:17:10,361 Crews can reach a fire much more quickly. 265 00:17:12,899 --> 00:17:15,658 Red stands out in traffic. 266 00:17:18,496 --> 00:17:20,329 Soon firefighters are wearing 267 00:17:20,406 --> 00:17:22,415 Rubber coats for better protection 268 00:17:22,492 --> 00:17:24,992 And using portable respirators. 269 00:17:25,003 --> 00:17:30,247 ♪ 270 00:17:30,258 --> 00:17:35,261 Fire prevention is a trickier problem. 271 00:17:35,338 --> 00:17:37,680 Some regulations go on the books, 272 00:17:37,757 --> 00:17:41,267 But these are ad hoc and often ignored. 273 00:17:45,848 --> 00:17:48,691 At pathé film studios on park avenue, 274 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:50,935 In December 1929, 275 00:17:50,945 --> 00:17:56,282 A fire kills 10 employees and broadway dancers. 276 00:17:56,359 --> 00:17:59,777 The building's owners had defied the latest regulations 277 00:17:59,788 --> 00:18:03,081 By failing to install sprinkler systems. 278 00:18:05,368 --> 00:18:08,119 A foolhardy attitude to fire risk 279 00:18:08,129 --> 00:18:11,130 Will blight america again, 280 00:18:11,207 --> 00:18:13,132 But it is a tragedy at sea 281 00:18:13,301 --> 00:18:16,969 That is the most infamous disaster of the century. 282 00:18:20,391 --> 00:18:23,134 America's most well-known disaster 283 00:18:23,144 --> 00:18:26,554 Is not captured on film. 284 00:18:26,564 --> 00:18:31,192 This is the only known footage of royal mail ship titanic. 285 00:18:32,821 --> 00:18:36,572 Eight days from now, the world's biggest ship will set out 286 00:18:36,649 --> 00:18:40,159 On her maiden voyage from southampton, England. 287 00:18:40,328 --> 00:18:44,747 Destination--new york city. 288 00:18:44,824 --> 00:18:47,491 Captain edward john smith is in command 289 00:18:47,502 --> 00:18:51,912 When the ship strikes an iceberg and sinks. 290 00:18:51,923 --> 00:18:57,668 ♪ 291 00:18:57,679 --> 00:18:59,178 As news spreads, 292 00:18:59,255 --> 00:19:03,558 Thousands gather at titanic's offices seeking information. 293 00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:07,270 The missing passengers include 294 00:19:07,346 --> 00:19:11,732 Famous tycoons, aristocrats, and celebrities. 295 00:19:13,853 --> 00:19:19,824 These crewmen are among the 705 saved by the liner carpathia. 296 00:19:21,327 --> 00:19:27,206 But 1,500 die in the icy north atlantic. 297 00:19:27,333 --> 00:19:31,711 [crashing] 298 00:19:32,964 --> 00:19:35,298 In response, in 1914, 299 00:19:35,374 --> 00:19:39,210 16 nations form an international ice patrol, 300 00:19:39,220 --> 00:19:41,804 Coordinated by the u.S. Coast guard. 301 00:19:41,881 --> 00:19:45,808 ♪ 302 00:19:45,885 --> 00:19:48,728 Patrol vessels clear the busy atlantic shipping lanes 303 00:19:48,804 --> 00:19:52,440 Of icebergs to prevent tragedies. 304 00:19:56,446 --> 00:19:57,653 [gunshot] 305 00:19:57,730 --> 00:20:00,981 [explosion] 306 00:20:00,992 --> 00:20:04,243 Man: This is buge, the ship's mascot of u.S.S. Mojave. 307 00:20:04,454 --> 00:20:06,237 Narrator: Long days on the north atlantic 308 00:20:06,247 --> 00:20:10,249 Offer plenty of time to teach mascot buge new tricks... 309 00:20:10,326 --> 00:20:11,250 Man: Speak. Speak, boy. 310 00:20:11,419 --> 00:20:12,251 [growls] 311 00:20:12,420 --> 00:20:13,669 Speak loud. Speak. 312 00:20:13,746 --> 00:20:14,420 [barks] 313 00:20:14,497 --> 00:20:15,922 Speak loud. Buge, speak! 314 00:20:18,334 --> 00:20:20,760 Narrator: ...And learn a two-step. 315 00:20:20,836 --> 00:20:24,505 ♪ 316 00:20:24,515 --> 00:20:26,090 Man: We are here today to... 317 00:20:26,100 --> 00:20:29,185 Narrator: But the tragic loss of life on the titanic 318 00:20:29,262 --> 00:20:31,771 Is never forgotten. 319 00:20:31,847 --> 00:20:35,099 In a tradition that continues to this day, 320 00:20:35,109 --> 00:20:37,276 The ice patrol holds a ceremony 321 00:20:37,353 --> 00:20:41,614 And lays a wreath in tribute at the site of the disaster. 322 00:20:41,691 --> 00:20:42,615 [gunshots] 323 00:20:48,122 --> 00:20:50,614 Other great ships will sink, 324 00:20:50,625 --> 00:20:56,963 But the chances of hitting an iceberg decrease sharply. 325 00:20:57,039 --> 00:20:58,130 [gunshot] 326 00:20:58,207 --> 00:21:00,624 [explosion] 327 00:21:00,635 --> 00:21:03,377 But for many americans in the 1920s, 328 00:21:03,388 --> 00:21:06,222 There is a threat much closer to home, 329 00:21:06,299 --> 00:21:08,432 And it is impossible to prevent. 330 00:21:12,981 --> 00:21:16,140 America's vast plains offer ideal conditions 331 00:21:16,150 --> 00:21:20,319 For the most destructive and spectacular of storms-- 332 00:21:20,405 --> 00:21:23,063 The tornado. 333 00:21:23,074 --> 00:21:27,743 Tornados strike here more often than anywhere else in the world. 334 00:21:27,820 --> 00:21:31,914 These powerful bursts form extremely quickly. 335 00:21:31,991 --> 00:21:35,459 There are few ways to predict or protect against them. 336 00:21:39,165 --> 00:21:41,832 It's March 1925. 337 00:21:41,843 --> 00:21:45,303 This is what is left of murphysboro, illinois. 338 00:21:48,099 --> 00:21:52,351 The day before, a tornado ripped through town in 90 seconds, 339 00:21:52,428 --> 00:21:55,512 Flattening hundreds of buildings. 340 00:21:55,523 --> 00:22:00,100 Stunned residents pick through debris. 341 00:22:00,111 --> 00:22:04,613 This pilot helps a reporter film the tornado's path. 342 00:22:04,690 --> 00:22:08,609 At 219 miles and stretching across 3 states, 343 00:22:08,619 --> 00:22:12,038 It's the longest tornado track ever recorded. 344 00:22:12,114 --> 00:22:14,782 The storm kills 700 people. 345 00:22:17,620 --> 00:22:22,381 Murphysboro is determined to rebuild. 346 00:22:22,458 --> 00:22:23,957 Americans are 20 years 347 00:22:23,968 --> 00:22:27,461 From getting reliable tornado warnings, 348 00:22:27,472 --> 00:22:29,472 But a breakthrough in earthquake science 349 00:22:29,548 --> 00:22:32,016 Is just around the corner. 350 00:22:35,471 --> 00:22:37,980 By the 1930s, southern californians 351 00:22:38,057 --> 00:22:41,475 Had experienced numerous earthquakes. 352 00:22:41,486 --> 00:22:44,403 Many of them were moderate in size, 353 00:22:44,480 --> 00:22:45,988 But in the hollywood hills, 354 00:22:46,065 --> 00:22:52,495 None were as destructive as the 1906 san francisco quake. 355 00:22:52,571 --> 00:22:55,915 Amateur cameraman and film fanatic cloyd louis 356 00:22:55,991 --> 00:22:58,000 Lives in the hills. 357 00:22:58,077 --> 00:23:01,337 He enjoys filming home movies of his family 358 00:23:01,414 --> 00:23:03,422 And simple pleasures, 359 00:23:03,499 --> 00:23:08,085 But he is soon to make a very different style of film. 360 00:23:08,096 --> 00:23:16,435 ♪ 361 00:23:16,562 --> 00:23:21,774 At 5:54 p.M. On Friday, March 10, 1933, 362 00:23:21,851 --> 00:23:26,186 An earthquake shakes the los angeles area. 363 00:23:26,197 --> 00:23:28,447 Cloyd louis, seen here, 364 00:23:28,524 --> 00:23:30,783 Is one of the first to film in long beach, 365 00:23:30,860 --> 00:23:33,861 The city nearest to the quake's epicenter. 366 00:23:33,871 --> 00:23:38,457 [crashing] 367 00:23:38,626 --> 00:23:40,701 Aftershocks follow. 368 00:23:40,711 --> 00:23:42,870 Louis keeps the camera going 369 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:45,965 As residents flee collapsing buildings. 370 00:23:48,794 --> 00:23:52,963 The quake affects 75,000 square miles 371 00:23:52,974 --> 00:23:55,683 And kills 120. 372 00:23:57,812 --> 00:24:01,313 Three quarters of all schools are destroyed. 373 00:24:01,390 --> 00:24:04,733 Jefferson high is among them. 374 00:24:04,810 --> 00:24:06,652 If school had been in session, 375 00:24:06,729 --> 00:24:11,565 The toll would have been far higher. 376 00:24:11,576 --> 00:24:15,494 [people talking] 377 00:24:15,663 --> 00:24:17,746 The quake was a surprise, 378 00:24:17,823 --> 00:24:20,499 But the government responds quickly, 379 00:24:20,576 --> 00:24:23,085 Applying lessons from san francisco, 380 00:24:23,162 --> 00:24:29,082 Such as immediately closing off gas lines to prevent fires. 381 00:24:29,093 --> 00:24:33,929 Within two hours, the navy lands 2,000 sailors and marines, 382 00:24:34,006 --> 00:24:36,590 Followed by soldiers and the national guard 383 00:24:36,601 --> 00:24:40,102 With supplies for rescue and relief work. 384 00:24:40,179 --> 00:24:44,690 ♪ 385 00:24:44,767 --> 00:24:49,186 At night, film studio lights help rescue workers. 386 00:24:49,197 --> 00:24:51,947 [siren] 387 00:24:52,024 --> 00:24:57,453 The red cross sets up makeshift housing for those in need. 388 00:24:57,530 --> 00:24:58,862 Man: Take all the food you want, 389 00:24:58,873 --> 00:25:03,542 But don't take any more than is actually necessary. 390 00:25:03,619 --> 00:25:07,287 Narrator: Field kitchens feed over 80,000 a day. 391 00:25:07,298 --> 00:25:09,757 [cheering] 392 00:25:12,220 --> 00:25:16,055 The devastation draws rubberneckers from miles around. 393 00:25:19,894 --> 00:25:23,053 Comic actor w.C. Fields releases footage 394 00:25:23,064 --> 00:25:27,900 From a film he's shooting at paramount pictures. 395 00:25:27,977 --> 00:25:29,810 Fields is seen here on the left. 396 00:25:29,820 --> 00:25:32,062 W.C. Fields: ...Save my life. Now, what can I do for you? 397 00:25:32,073 --> 00:25:32,821 [rumbling] 398 00:25:32,898 --> 00:25:34,323 Man: Take us to shanghai. 399 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:35,324 Fields: Shanghai? 400 00:25:35,401 --> 00:25:36,325 Man: Yeah. 401 00:25:36,402 --> 00:25:38,151 [rumbling] 402 00:25:38,162 --> 00:25:40,821 [crash] 403 00:25:40,831 --> 00:25:42,155 What's, what's the matter? 404 00:25:42,166 --> 00:25:43,490 Man: Earthquake! 405 00:25:43,501 --> 00:25:47,995 [people shouting] 406 00:25:48,005 --> 00:25:50,589 Narrator: News outlets screen the clip widely, 407 00:25:50,758 --> 00:25:53,083 Giving fields' comedy a publicity boost. 408 00:25:53,094 --> 00:25:54,593 [screaming] 409 00:25:54,762 --> 00:25:57,596 [crashing] 410 00:25:57,682 --> 00:26:01,258 40 years later, it's revealed as a hoax. 411 00:26:01,269 --> 00:26:06,272 [rumbling] 412 00:26:08,442 --> 00:26:12,611 Scientists want to know the truth about earthquakes. 413 00:26:12,822 --> 00:26:14,196 For the first time, 414 00:26:14,273 --> 00:26:17,941 A series of new instruments called accelerographs 415 00:26:17,952 --> 00:26:21,078 Have recorded the earth's movement during the quake. 416 00:26:23,374 --> 00:26:26,625 Scientists now know there are multiple fault lines 417 00:26:26,702 --> 00:26:30,537 Posing major earthquake threats, 418 00:26:30,548 --> 00:26:34,383 And much of america's west coast is vulnerable. 419 00:26:37,138 --> 00:26:40,547 Though there is still no scale to measure earthquakes, 420 00:26:40,558 --> 00:26:45,477 The readings also show this event was only moderate. 421 00:26:45,554 --> 00:26:46,887 Buildings in the long beach area 422 00:26:46,897 --> 00:26:50,649 Crumbled because they were constructed poorly, 423 00:26:50,818 --> 00:26:53,652 On top of soft soil and landfill. 424 00:26:53,738 --> 00:26:58,240 ♪ 425 00:26:58,317 --> 00:27:01,818 This revelation shapes strict new laws 426 00:27:01,829 --> 00:27:05,664 Requiring all school buildings to be earthquake-safe. 427 00:27:05,741 --> 00:27:10,577 ♪ 428 00:27:10,588 --> 00:27:14,331 Thanks to a better understanding of this destructive force, 429 00:27:14,342 --> 00:27:17,801 America is learning to prepare for earthquakes. 430 00:27:20,756 --> 00:27:22,172 Within the year, 431 00:27:22,183 --> 00:27:26,727 Tragedy at sea will bring another wave of change. 432 00:27:30,024 --> 00:27:34,360 ♪ 433 00:27:34,436 --> 00:27:39,198 In 1934, cruise ship the s.S. Morro castle 434 00:27:39,274 --> 00:27:42,868 Makes regular trips between new york and havana. 435 00:27:45,781 --> 00:27:47,864 The popular party ship offers americans 436 00:27:47,875 --> 00:27:50,876 A brief escape from the depression. 437 00:27:50,953 --> 00:27:52,127 [ship horn blows] 438 00:27:52,204 --> 00:27:55,205 [cheering] 439 00:27:55,216 --> 00:28:00,469 On September 8th, 549 passengers and crew are aboard 440 00:28:00,546 --> 00:28:06,216 When, in the early hours of the morning, disaster strikes. 441 00:28:06,227 --> 00:28:07,267 [explosion] 442 00:28:11,399 --> 00:28:14,558 Eight miles off the new jersey shore, 443 00:28:14,568 --> 00:28:16,443 The morro has caught fire. 444 00:28:19,240 --> 00:28:23,909 In less than 30 minutes, flames engulf the ship. 445 00:28:23,986 --> 00:28:26,570 Not properly trained for emergencies, 446 00:28:26,580 --> 00:28:29,406 Many crewmen huddle at the bow, 447 00:28:29,417 --> 00:28:33,243 Leaving passengers to fend for themselves. 448 00:28:36,081 --> 00:28:40,259 After three hours, other liners come to help. 449 00:28:40,335 --> 00:28:44,763 Aboard one, an amateur filmmaker records the morro's passengers 450 00:28:44,974 --> 00:28:48,767 Cramming the rescue ship's lifeboats. 451 00:28:48,844 --> 00:28:50,427 From the jersey shore, 452 00:28:50,438 --> 00:28:55,432 Bystanders can see the morro's lifeboats hanging unlaunched. 453 00:28:55,443 --> 00:28:56,942 They sail to the wreck 454 00:28:57,019 --> 00:29:01,238 Or swim to rescue passengers from treacherous currents. 455 00:29:07,913 --> 00:29:11,364 For many, help comes too late. 456 00:29:11,375 --> 00:29:15,377 137 die. 457 00:29:15,454 --> 00:29:17,796 Man: In the confusion and excitement, 458 00:29:17,873 --> 00:29:20,799 My wife must have went over the rail. 459 00:29:20,926 --> 00:29:22,125 I haven't seen her since. 460 00:29:22,136 --> 00:29:25,304 I don't know whether she's alive or not. 461 00:29:25,380 --> 00:29:28,215 Narrator: When the survivors do reach dry land, 462 00:29:28,225 --> 00:29:31,218 They are pressed for details by reporters. 463 00:29:31,228 --> 00:29:33,228 Woman: I was in the water for about an hour, I guess. 464 00:29:33,305 --> 00:29:37,065 I don't know what time the boat...Please... 465 00:29:39,895 --> 00:29:44,147 Narrator: By mid-morning, the morro has come aground. 466 00:29:44,158 --> 00:29:48,494 A pathé cameraman is winched aboard the smoldering wreck. 467 00:29:50,998 --> 00:29:53,999 He documents the fate of polished decks... 468 00:29:56,912 --> 00:29:59,463 ...And grand dining halls. 469 00:30:02,009 --> 00:30:04,251 Charred, unused lifeboats 470 00:30:04,261 --> 00:30:08,505 Testify to the crew's incompetence. 471 00:30:08,516 --> 00:30:12,851 Ashore, the newsman discovers the ship was so hot, 472 00:30:12,928 --> 00:30:15,679 He burned the soles of his shoes. 473 00:30:15,689 --> 00:30:21,101 ♪ 474 00:30:21,111 --> 00:30:26,615 The hulk molders for six months, a macabre tourist attraction. 475 00:30:26,692 --> 00:30:30,369 Souvenir sales help the area's depressed economy. 476 00:30:35,793 --> 00:30:40,704 An investigation grills acting captain william warms. 477 00:30:43,542 --> 00:30:45,717 Man: What do you think was the cause of the fire? 478 00:30:45,794 --> 00:30:47,127 Was it cigarettes? 479 00:30:47,137 --> 00:30:48,887 William warms: Perhaps. Probably not. 480 00:30:48,973 --> 00:30:49,888 Man: Was it lightning? 481 00:30:49,965 --> 00:30:50,889 Warms: No. 482 00:30:50,966 --> 00:30:52,549 Man: Incendiarism? 483 00:30:52,560 --> 00:30:53,767 Warms: Probably. 484 00:30:55,470 --> 00:30:57,563 Narrator: No one solves the mystery, 485 00:30:57,639 --> 00:31:01,358 But there is public outrage over the crew's performance. 486 00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:08,323 Congress passes the merchant marine act, 487 00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:11,651 Creating an academy to train merchant seamen 488 00:31:11,662 --> 00:31:14,154 To handle emergencies. 489 00:31:14,164 --> 00:31:16,915 Thousands soon take the course. 490 00:31:17,001 --> 00:31:20,919 ♪ 491 00:31:21,005 --> 00:31:22,162 The following year, 492 00:31:22,172 --> 00:31:25,757 America's response to danger from the ocean 493 00:31:25,834 --> 00:31:27,968 Will be tested again. 494 00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:37,010 It's 1935. 495 00:31:37,021 --> 00:31:41,681 Despite the depression, tourists flock to florida, 496 00:31:41,692 --> 00:31:45,861 Where sun and sand offer a welcome escape. 497 00:31:47,606 --> 00:31:51,450 But this subtropical paradise faces a regular threat. 498 00:31:53,612 --> 00:31:57,030 Weather forecasters now recognize June to November 499 00:31:57,041 --> 00:32:00,959 As hurricane season. 500 00:32:01,036 --> 00:32:02,619 For the first time, 501 00:32:02,630 --> 00:32:06,757 Observation posts will keep a 24-hour watch for storms. 502 00:32:09,178 --> 00:32:12,888 On labor day weekend, ships report a weather event 503 00:32:12,965 --> 00:32:15,715 Brewing in the caribbean. 504 00:32:15,726 --> 00:32:19,978 Florida's chief forecaster, grady norton, in the bowtie, 505 00:32:20,055 --> 00:32:23,056 Plots the storm's path so far, 506 00:32:23,067 --> 00:32:27,310 The first systematic tracking of a hurricane. 507 00:32:27,321 --> 00:32:29,988 Norton is able to warn vulnerable areas 508 00:32:30,065 --> 00:32:32,908 12 hours in advance. 509 00:32:32,985 --> 00:32:34,159 [hammering] 510 00:32:37,572 --> 00:32:41,825 [wind blowing] 511 00:32:41,835 --> 00:32:45,003 The storm that hits Monday evening, September 2nd, 512 00:32:45,172 --> 00:32:49,332 Is the most intense hurricane on record. 513 00:32:49,343 --> 00:32:53,011 Today it would be a category 5. 514 00:32:53,222 --> 00:32:56,014 Norton's predictions are correct, 515 00:32:56,091 --> 00:32:59,926 But for many, they are still too late. 516 00:32:59,937 --> 00:33:04,022 [train whistle blows] 517 00:33:04,233 --> 00:33:06,024 A last-minute evacuation train 518 00:33:06,101 --> 00:33:09,361 Derails on islamorada, in the keys. 519 00:33:12,199 --> 00:33:15,942 Aboard are 400 world war I veterans. 520 00:33:15,953 --> 00:33:18,161 257 drown. 521 00:33:20,949 --> 00:33:23,583 Their deaths outrage the nation. 522 00:33:25,546 --> 00:33:28,872 An investigation partly blames the weather bureau. 523 00:33:28,882 --> 00:33:33,543 ♪ 524 00:33:33,554 --> 00:33:37,556 Deeply affected, norton commits the rest of his career 525 00:33:37,632 --> 00:33:40,517 To improving the hurricane warning system. 526 00:33:45,891 --> 00:33:48,066 As the 1930s end, 527 00:33:48,143 --> 00:33:50,485 Americans are finding ambitious new ways 528 00:33:50,562 --> 00:33:54,156 To conquer their challenging geography. 529 00:33:54,232 --> 00:33:58,076 In 1938, work begins on a revolutionary project 530 00:33:58,162 --> 00:34:01,079 In washington state. 531 00:34:01,248 --> 00:34:03,165 A mile-long suspension bridge 532 00:34:03,241 --> 00:34:06,084 Will cut across the tacoma narrows, 533 00:34:06,170 --> 00:34:09,629 Connecting tacoma and the kitsap peninsula. 534 00:34:11,666 --> 00:34:15,919 600-ton concrete blocks are launched into the water, 535 00:34:15,929 --> 00:34:17,679 To act as anchors. 536 00:34:17,756 --> 00:34:24,594 ♪ 537 00:34:24,605 --> 00:34:28,106 They form the base of an elegant, innovative design 538 00:34:28,192 --> 00:34:31,109 Meant to be lighter, more flexible, 539 00:34:31,186 --> 00:34:33,445 And cheaper to build. 540 00:34:37,618 --> 00:34:44,372 The bridge is designed to withstand 120-mile winds. 541 00:34:44,449 --> 00:34:46,366 As construction finishes, 542 00:34:46,376 --> 00:34:50,462 The deck develops an up and down movement on windy days. 543 00:34:50,539 --> 00:34:55,467 ♪ 544 00:34:55,544 --> 00:34:58,136 Officials call in engineering professor 545 00:34:58,305 --> 00:35:00,472 Frederick burt farquharson. 546 00:35:02,217 --> 00:35:04,884 But the opening day remains on schedule 547 00:35:04,895 --> 00:35:06,812 For the engineering triumph. 548 00:35:10,234 --> 00:35:14,144 And in July 1940, governor clarence martin 549 00:35:14,154 --> 00:35:16,988 Dedicates the $6 million span. 550 00:35:17,065 --> 00:35:25,155 ♪ 551 00:35:25,165 --> 00:35:29,159 The bridge soon earns a nickname--galloping gertie-- 552 00:35:29,169 --> 00:35:33,421 But for months, fearless travelers continue to use it. 553 00:35:33,498 --> 00:35:38,426 ♪ 554 00:35:38,503 --> 00:35:40,345 On the morning of November 7th, 555 00:35:40,422 --> 00:35:43,849 The wind on the narrows is 40 miles per hour. 556 00:35:45,594 --> 00:35:49,929 Farquharson notices the bridge is not only moving up and down, 557 00:35:49,940 --> 00:35:52,107 But also swaying sideways. 558 00:35:54,436 --> 00:35:56,194 Tacoma camera shop owners 559 00:35:56,280 --> 00:35:59,197 Barney elliott and harbine monroe 560 00:35:59,274 --> 00:36:02,534 Film the increasingly violent undulations. 561 00:36:02,611 --> 00:36:09,207 ♪ 562 00:36:09,418 --> 00:36:13,503 Just after 10 a.M., authorities clear the area. 563 00:36:15,290 --> 00:36:17,957 Tacoma news editor leonard coatsworth 564 00:36:17,968 --> 00:36:22,962 Is forced to abandon his car halfway across the bridge. 565 00:36:22,973 --> 00:36:26,716 He leaves behind tubby, his daughter's dog. 566 00:36:26,727 --> 00:36:30,562 The terrified cocker spaniel won't leave the back seat. 567 00:36:32,316 --> 00:36:37,903 Dog lover farquharson bravely tries to save tubby, 568 00:36:37,979 --> 00:36:43,566 But a bite on the knuckles sends him back to safety. 569 00:36:43,577 --> 00:36:47,237 Moments later, at 11:02 a.M.... 570 00:36:47,247 --> 00:36:57,214 ♪ 571 00:36:57,216 --> 00:37:03,011 ♪ 572 00:37:03,088 --> 00:37:14,022 ♪ 573 00:37:23,942 --> 00:37:28,194 Tubby the dog is the bridge's only victim. 574 00:37:31,032 --> 00:37:34,793 Experts decide the bridge's flexible design 575 00:37:34,869 --> 00:37:37,128 Is a fatal flaw 576 00:37:37,205 --> 00:37:38,538 And that engineers need to study 577 00:37:38,548 --> 00:37:41,258 How wind speed affects structures. 578 00:37:43,628 --> 00:37:47,305 For the lead designer, it's a career ender. 579 00:37:47,382 --> 00:37:49,391 [rattling] 580 00:37:49,467 --> 00:37:50,892 The footage of the collapse 581 00:37:50,969 --> 00:37:54,145 Profoundly influences engineering research. 582 00:37:57,475 --> 00:38:00,977 World war ii delays the bridge's rebuilding, 583 00:38:00,988 --> 00:38:04,322 Which takes ten years. 584 00:38:04,533 --> 00:38:08,326 Galloping gertie's descendant is still standing. 585 00:38:09,904 --> 00:38:13,823 America is finally taking lessons from disasters, 586 00:38:13,834 --> 00:38:16,584 A learning curve that carries into a new era 587 00:38:16,661 --> 00:38:19,087 Of science and technology. 588 00:38:25,837 --> 00:38:30,590 In the late 1940s, miami meteorologist grady norton 589 00:38:30,600 --> 00:38:32,925 Collects data on the weather bureau roof 590 00:38:32,936 --> 00:38:37,355 To broadcast on local station wtvj. 591 00:38:37,432 --> 00:38:41,192 Grady norton: It will stay on the cool side through the night. 592 00:38:41,269 --> 00:38:43,236 Tomorrow will be very pleasant. 593 00:38:46,366 --> 00:38:49,025 Narrator: But the 1947 hurricane season 594 00:38:49,036 --> 00:38:53,038 Brings norton's forecasting much closer to the action. 595 00:38:57,452 --> 00:39:00,378 This is a highly skilled u.S. Air force squad 596 00:39:00,547 --> 00:39:03,423 Known as hurricane hunters. 597 00:39:06,961 --> 00:39:10,388 Their missions, begun as a bet between airmen, 598 00:39:10,515 --> 00:39:14,392 Are now vital to warning americans of hurricanes. 599 00:39:14,561 --> 00:39:17,896 They will fly directly into the eye of the storm. 600 00:39:17,972 --> 00:39:20,807 There they measure the wind speed and direction 601 00:39:20,817 --> 00:39:23,318 To help predict the hurricane's path. 602 00:39:23,395 --> 00:39:26,813 Man: Going through the notch. No, they went behind... 603 00:39:26,823 --> 00:39:30,075 Narrator: Radar shows they are close to the eye. 604 00:39:33,988 --> 00:39:37,665 120-mile-per-hour winds buffet the plane, 605 00:39:37,742 --> 00:39:40,993 But the crew get the data needed. 606 00:39:41,004 --> 00:39:43,421 They radio the navy base at miami, 607 00:39:43,590 --> 00:39:45,498 Which relays the information to norton 608 00:39:45,509 --> 00:39:48,009 At the hurricane center. 609 00:39:48,086 --> 00:39:50,345 The storm's path can now be forecast 610 00:39:50,422 --> 00:39:54,432 Around 12 hours earlier than was previously possible. 611 00:39:54,509 --> 00:39:59,262 Norton's team airs a bulletin and hoists warning flags. 612 00:39:59,272 --> 00:40:01,356 Man on radio: The tropical storm of full hurricane force 613 00:40:01,433 --> 00:40:03,349 Is now centered over the isle of pines. 614 00:40:03,360 --> 00:40:05,777 It is moving northward about ten miles per hour. 615 00:40:05,854 --> 00:40:08,113 The storm center will pass a short distance... 616 00:40:08,189 --> 00:40:09,447 Narrator: Hurricane hunters 617 00:40:09,524 --> 00:40:12,450 Sharply cut tropical storm deaths. 618 00:40:14,362 --> 00:40:16,871 By the 1950s, early evacuation 619 00:40:16,948 --> 00:40:22,710 Has slashed typical storm fatalities from 500 to just 5. 620 00:40:22,787 --> 00:40:24,546 Norton's miami headquarters 621 00:40:24,622 --> 00:40:27,465 Becomes the national hurricane center, 622 00:40:27,592 --> 00:40:31,553 And storms start to be given names. 623 00:40:31,629 --> 00:40:34,889 Job stress finally fells norton. 624 00:40:34,966 --> 00:40:37,633 Norton: There yesterday afternoon, and it's moved... 625 00:40:37,644 --> 00:40:41,813 Narrator: In 1954, after a 12-hour shift tracking hazel, 626 00:40:41,890 --> 00:40:46,484 A particularly erratic storm, he has a fatal stroke. 627 00:40:46,561 --> 00:40:50,989 Man: That's about the story on storm hazel. 628 00:40:53,577 --> 00:40:56,744 Narrator: Good Friday, 1964. 629 00:40:56,821 --> 00:41:00,957 It's a quiet afternoon in valdez on the alaskan coast. 630 00:41:03,077 --> 00:41:06,588 The freighter chena is anchored in the harbor. 631 00:41:06,664 --> 00:41:10,508 Crewman fred newmayer films as shipmates throw fruit 632 00:41:10,677 --> 00:41:12,752 To children on the dock. 633 00:41:12,762 --> 00:41:15,763 What happens next will transform the understanding 634 00:41:15,840 --> 00:41:19,091 Of earthquake science across the world. 635 00:41:19,102 --> 00:41:25,106 [crashing] 636 00:41:25,183 --> 00:41:27,433 At 5:36 p.M., 637 00:41:27,444 --> 00:41:32,855 The largest earthquake in american history strikes alaska. 638 00:41:32,866 --> 00:41:37,535 By rare chance, newmayer documents a quake as it happens. 639 00:41:37,612 --> 00:41:49,205 ♪ 640 00:41:49,216 --> 00:41:52,884 Across the huge state, vast cracks open, 641 00:41:52,961 --> 00:41:55,378 Shattering towns and cities. 642 00:41:55,388 --> 00:42:01,133 ♪ 643 00:42:01,144 --> 00:42:06,064 Following hard on the earth's violence come deadly tsunamis. 644 00:42:06,140 --> 00:42:11,394 Six giant waves batter coastal town seward. 645 00:42:11,404 --> 00:42:16,574 At valdez, this is all that remains of chena's moorings. 646 00:42:16,651 --> 00:42:20,828 Waves drove the ship into the heart of the town 647 00:42:20,905 --> 00:42:23,489 And swept away the dock. 648 00:42:23,500 --> 00:42:26,960 The quake kills 131 people. 649 00:42:30,498 --> 00:42:31,998 As alaskans rally, 650 00:42:32,008 --> 00:42:35,927 Scientists from the u.S. Geological survey investigate. 651 00:42:37,806 --> 00:42:40,014 They study gaping fractures, 652 00:42:40,091 --> 00:42:44,269 Massive landslides inland and at the shore, 653 00:42:44,345 --> 00:42:46,095 And they take to the air. 654 00:42:46,106 --> 00:42:50,608 ♪ 655 00:42:50,685 --> 00:42:53,945 Across 500,000 square miles of damage, 656 00:42:54,022 --> 00:42:56,939 The teams see distinct patterns. 657 00:42:56,950 --> 00:43:01,611 ♪ 658 00:43:01,621 --> 00:43:03,037 In downtown anchorage, 659 00:43:03,114 --> 00:43:07,292 One whole side of 4th avenue dropped a dozen feet. 660 00:43:10,130 --> 00:43:13,631 Fashionable suburb turnagain by the sea 661 00:43:13,708 --> 00:43:15,550 Collapsed into the bay. 662 00:43:17,295 --> 00:43:20,638 Scientist george plafker links these findings 663 00:43:20,715 --> 00:43:25,968 To an emerging theory-- plate tectonics. 664 00:43:25,979 --> 00:43:29,138 For the first time, earthquakes are understood to occur 665 00:43:29,149 --> 00:43:31,816 When huge pieces of the earth's crust, 666 00:43:31,893 --> 00:43:36,479 Called plates, shift position. 667 00:43:36,489 --> 00:43:42,985 Plate tectonics heralds a new era in planetary geology. 668 00:43:42,996 --> 00:43:47,832 Acting on this knowledge, authorities abandon valdez. 669 00:43:47,909 --> 00:43:53,588 They rebuild the town four miles west on more stable ground. 670 00:43:53,665 --> 00:43:55,173 But there is still uncertainty 671 00:43:55,249 --> 00:43:58,009 As to when the next quake will strike. 672 00:44:00,254 --> 00:44:03,681 [bell tolling] 673 00:44:03,767 --> 00:44:05,683 Galveston, texas. 674 00:44:05,760 --> 00:44:09,345 In the six decades since the great storm of 1900, 675 00:44:09,356 --> 00:44:13,766 America's gulf coast has endured 60 hurricanes. 676 00:44:13,777 --> 00:44:16,694 Galveston's weather bureau now has radar 677 00:44:16,905 --> 00:44:21,115 Able to pinpoint storms 220 miles away. 678 00:44:22,944 --> 00:44:25,361 In September 1961, 679 00:44:25,372 --> 00:44:29,865 Weathermen spot a big storm aimed at the city. 680 00:44:29,876 --> 00:44:32,785 They name it carla. 681 00:44:32,796 --> 00:44:36,714 Enterprising local channel 11 reporter dan rather 682 00:44:36,925 --> 00:44:39,458 Asks to broadcast live from the weather bureau. 683 00:44:39,469 --> 00:44:42,136 Dan rather: ...Your own bedding. You'll probably need it there. 684 00:44:42,213 --> 00:44:44,722 The reason we have brought our live remote cameras 685 00:44:44,808 --> 00:44:46,224 Down here to telecast direct 686 00:44:46,300 --> 00:44:48,726 From the united states weather bureau in galveston... 687 00:44:48,803 --> 00:44:52,471 Narrator: Besides landing a scoop and making tv history, 688 00:44:52,482 --> 00:44:56,475 He and his team will be doing a public service. 689 00:44:56,486 --> 00:44:59,737 Channel 11's marathon coverage of hurricane carla 690 00:44:59,948 --> 00:45:02,148 Starts September 9th. 691 00:45:02,158 --> 00:45:04,316 Rather: As of the moment, hurricane carla is centered 692 00:45:04,327 --> 00:45:09,747 Near latitude 26.0 north and 92.9 west. 693 00:45:09,874 --> 00:45:12,074 Keep in mind that that's where the center... 694 00:45:12,085 --> 00:45:14,752 Narrator: When rather lays a map over the radar, 695 00:45:14,829 --> 00:45:18,756 Viewers can see exactly where the storm is. 696 00:45:18,842 --> 00:45:20,666 It's a lifesaving innovation. 697 00:45:20,677 --> 00:45:23,928 Rather: 255 statute miles southeast of galveston. 698 00:45:24,005 --> 00:45:25,838 That out in the gulf is the real mccoy. 699 00:45:25,849 --> 00:45:28,725 A lot of rain, a lot of wind out there. 700 00:45:30,011 --> 00:45:32,270 Narrator: The coverage spurs action. 701 00:45:35,433 --> 00:45:38,401 Galvestonians evacuate in droves. 702 00:45:40,947 --> 00:45:45,032 Many rural residents take their livelihood and more. 703 00:45:46,953 --> 00:45:48,035 Rather: We do have one bit of advice for you. 704 00:45:48,112 --> 00:45:49,862 If you decide to leave your home 705 00:45:49,873 --> 00:45:51,789 And you don't feel safe where you are, 706 00:45:51,866 --> 00:45:54,709 You want to move into a shelter area, uh, 707 00:45:54,786 --> 00:45:59,046 We are advised, we advise you to bring along your own bedding. 708 00:45:59,123 --> 00:46:03,968 Narrator: 500,000 people along 150 miles of coastline 709 00:46:04,045 --> 00:46:07,805 Move inland seeking safety. 710 00:46:07,882 --> 00:46:09,807 It's the largest peacetime evacuation 711 00:46:09,884 --> 00:46:13,561 The world has ever known. 712 00:46:13,638 --> 00:46:16,138 Rather and team stay put. 713 00:46:16,149 --> 00:46:19,650 Rather: Mr. Rockney, how are things over in the radar room? 714 00:46:19,727 --> 00:46:21,143 Vaughn rockney: Just a minute, and I'll have the fellas 715 00:46:21,154 --> 00:46:23,070 Stand away from the radar screen. 716 00:46:23,147 --> 00:46:25,823 Rather: Don't interrupt anything they're doing there now. 717 00:46:25,900 --> 00:46:29,827 Now there's the shots of the-- our camera's on the radar, 718 00:46:30,038 --> 00:46:34,665 And right there is the hurricane eye. 719 00:46:39,330 --> 00:46:43,841 Narrator: The storm that hits September 11th is a category 5, 720 00:46:43,968 --> 00:46:45,426 One of the most severe storms 721 00:46:45,503 --> 00:46:47,970 Ever to strike mainland america... 722 00:46:49,590 --> 00:46:53,142 ...And an exclusive for rather and his station. 723 00:46:56,931 --> 00:47:02,017 Carla destroys nearly 3,000 buildings, 724 00:47:02,028 --> 00:47:07,106 Doing damage estimated at $300 million. 725 00:47:07,116 --> 00:47:10,117 There are 43 fatalities. 726 00:47:11,538 --> 00:47:15,206 Compared to the 8,000 killed here in 1900, 727 00:47:15,283 --> 00:47:18,709 Carla's toll shows how far america has come 728 00:47:18,786 --> 00:47:20,878 In mitigating disaster. 729 00:47:23,633 --> 00:47:25,883 Channel 11 gets public thanks 730 00:47:25,969 --> 00:47:28,302 From weather chief vaughn rockney. 731 00:47:28,379 --> 00:47:29,887 Rockney: We of the weather bureau 732 00:47:29,964 --> 00:47:32,557 Are sure that public service such as this 733 00:47:32,633 --> 00:47:35,467 Contributed significantly to minimizing the loss 734 00:47:35,478 --> 00:47:38,479 Of life and property in this catastrophe. 735 00:47:39,816 --> 00:47:43,234 Narrator: Tussles with nature across this vast continent 736 00:47:43,311 --> 00:47:46,487 Have taught americans to deal with disaster 737 00:47:46,564 --> 00:47:50,149 And fostered understanding of the natural world. 738 00:47:50,159 --> 00:47:53,911 That knowledge stands the nation in good stead 739 00:47:54,080 --> 00:47:56,914 When disaster strikes again. 740 00:47:57,125 --> 00:47:59,417 [creaking]