Case study-Aberfan(causes, impacts, mitigation)

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

On October 21, 1966, the village of Aberfan, South Wales, experienced a catastrophic landslide when a spoil heap(a waste pile from coal mining) collapsed, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes. The disaster resulted in the tragic loss of 144 lives, including 116 children. The event is one of the worst mining-related disasters in British history and raised awareness about the hazards of improper waste disposal from mining operations.

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

1. Mining Activity & Spoil Tip Location
   
   • The National Coal Board (NCB) established seven spoil tips (waste heaps) above Aberfan, composed of unwanted rock, shale, and other debris from coal mining operations.
   • Tip 7, the one that collapsed, had been built over a natural spring, which weakened its foundation over time.
   • The continuous dumping of mining waste increased the pressure on the slope, making it unstable.
     2. Heavy Rainfall
   • Weeks of intense rainfall had saturated the spoil tip, increasing its weight and reducing its structural integrity.
   • Waterlogged waste material weakened and liquefied, leading to sudden collapse.
     3. Neglect of Warning Signs
   • Local residents and workers had previously reported small landslides from the spoil tip.
   • The NCB ignored concerns, failing to take preventive action.

Question 3

Impacts

Answer 3

1. Loss of Life
   
   • 144 people died, including 116 children, many of whom were buried inside Pantglas Junior School.
     2. Destruction of Property
   • The landslide buried houses, roads, and buildings under a thick layer of coal waste and slurry.
     3. Economic Impact
   • The cost of recovery and rebuilding placed a financial strain on both the local community and the government.
   • Many families lost their homes and businesses, leading to economic hardship.
   • Despite public donations, the government controversially used £150,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund to remove remaining spoil heaps, rather than fully assisting the victims.
   • The closure of local coal mines in later years further worsened economic decline in the area, leading to job losses and economic stagnation.
     4. Psychological & Social Impact
   • Survivors and families suffered from long-term trauma and grief.
   • The disaster left a deep emotional scar on the Aberfan community and beyond.

Question 4

Mitigation

Answer 4

1. Aberfan Disaster Tribunal
   
   • A public inquiry blamed the NCB for the disaster, highlighting poor management of mining waste disposal.
     2. Legal & Policy Changes
   • The Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969 introduced stricter regulations on the safety of spoil tips.
     3. Creation of Safety Authorities
   • In 2024, the Welsh government proposed the Disused Tips Authority for Wales, responsible for monitoring and managing abandoned coal waste tips to prevent future disasters.