Why does the Johnstown official ignore the telegram?
The Johnstown Flood of 1889 remains one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history. Before this tragic event, officials in Johnstown received a warning through a telegram, but they didn’t act on it. This raises an important question: Why does the Johnstown official ignore the telegram?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind their inaction, what happened as a result, and the lessons we can learn today.
Why does the Johnstown official ignore the telegram? (Quick Answer)
The Johnstown officials ignored the telegram because they thought it was a false alarm. The dam had faced similar issues before without breaking, and they underestimated the severity of the warning.
What Was the Johnstown Flood?
The Johnstown Flood occurred on May 31, 1889, when the South Fork Dam collapsed after heavy rainfall. This dam held back a massive reservoir called the Lake Conemaugh, and when it gave way, water rushed into the valley, destroying everything in its path.
Key Facts About the Johnstown Flood:
- Date: May 31, 1889
- Location: Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Cause: South Fork Dam failure after heavy rain
- Impact: Over 2,200 deaths, massive destruction, and loss of property
What Was in the Telegram?
A telegram is an old-fashioned way of sending urgent messages. Before the flood, a warning telegram was sent to Johnstown officials. It alerted them about the South Fork Dam’s dangerous condition and the potential for flooding.
However, the officials didn’t act on the message, leading to one of the greatest tragedies in U.S. history.
Reasons Why Johnstown Officials Ignored the Telegram!
Here are some of the main reasons the officials didn’t respond:
They Thought It Was a False Alarm
The South Fork Dam had faced issues before but never completely failed. The officials believed this was another false warning and didn’t act.
Lack of Clear Communication
The telegram didn’t emphasize the urgency of the situation. The message may not have made the danger clear enough for officials to take immediate action.
Poor Preparedness
In 1889, emergency planning wasn’t as advanced as today. The officials didn’t have the tools or plans to respond to such warnings effectively.
Underestimating the Risk
The dam’s owners, the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, often dismissed concerns about its stability. This attitude likely influenced the officials’ response.
Heavy Rain Complicated the Situation
The area was already dealing with heavy rain and flooding. This may have caused officials to downplay the specific warning about the dam.
What Happened Because the Warning Was Ignored?
When the officials ignored the warning, it led to:
- Over 2,200 Deaths: Many lives could have been saved if the warning was taken seriously.
- Widespread Destruction: The flood destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Johnstown.
- Public Outrage: People were angry at both the dam’s owners and the officials for failing to act.
Lessons We Can Learn
The Johnstown Flood teaches us the importance of acting on warnings and being prepared. Here are some valuable lessons:
- Take Warnings Seriously
- Even if a warning seems unlikely, it’s better to investigate and prepare than to ignore it.
- Maintain Critical Infrastructure
- The South Fork Dam had structural issues that were ignored for years. Regular maintenance could have prevented the disaster.
- Communicate Clearly
- Warnings should be clear and direct, explaining the risks and what actions are needed.
- Emergency Preparedness
- Communities need plans and resources to respond to disasters quickly.
Bottom Line
Why does the johnstown official ignore the telegram? The Johnstown Flood of 1889 is a reminder of how important it is to take warnings seriously and prepare for emergencies. Whether it’s maintaining infrastructure or responding to messages like the telegram, every small action can make a big difference.
