Dam Break
Download the Mega Disasters episode Dam Break » iTunes >
Scientists and engineers sound an alarm that a catastrophic dam might be the next mega-disaster facing America.
Mega Disasters, Season 3, Episode 7, Air Date: 06/17/2008
Episode Description
It has happened before, and it could happen again. What makes storms, earthquakes and other events into natural disasters is not how they occur, but where they strike. MEGA DISASTERS asks the what ifs? no one ever wants to face. A masterful blend of actual footage, computer graphics and interviews with leading scientists and public safety experts explores the outer limits of what could happen if everything went wrong.
When the South Fork Dam near Johnstown, PA gave way in a storm in 1889, killing 2200 people, it was the worst disaster in U.S. history. Is another, much larger and deadlier dam failure in our future?
Modern dams are marvels of engineering but after decades of neglect the U.S. infrastructure is in crisis and by 2020, 85% of U.S. dams may be near their breaking point. Today, with millions of Americans living nearby massive dams, the result of a failure could be catastrophic.
MEGA DISASTERS surveys the state of our dams and dramatically illustrates the horrific cost of a major DAM BREAK.
Download the Mega Disasters episode Dam Break » iTunes >
Thoughts and Comments About Dam Break
One of the best episodes of the season, Dam Break brings to light the derelict state of America's dams. The episode revisits several devastating dam breaks from the past and poses scary questions about possibilities of future dam breaks.
Although I don't live in an area prone to flooding, there are multiple dams within 50 to 100 miles of my home. After watching this episode, I was left with an uneasy sensation of inevitability. Dam Break was a powerful presentation of fact and possibility.
Download the Mega Disasters episode Dam Break » iTunes >
Downloads are an excellent way to stay caught up with your favorite television shows. Watch when you want, not when a television network or cable tv station dictates that you watch.
