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Compact Disasters

Compact Disasters

Compact Disasters · Compact Histories

93 episodesEN-GB

Show overview

Compact Disasters has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 93 episodes. That works out to roughly 20 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 9 min and 20 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-GB-language Society & Culture show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 weeks ago, with 30 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Compact Histories.

Episodes
93
Running
2024–2026 · 2y
Median length
10 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Compact Disasters is a podcast that delivers bite-sized episodes exploring some of the world's most catastrophic events, from natural disasters to human-made tragedies. Each episode, lasting less time than it takes to enjoy a coffee, dives into the causes, consequences, and lasting impacts of these events, offering listeners a concise but comprehensive overview. Whether it's hurricanes, industrial accidents, or historical calamities, the podcast aims to engage and inform audiences with well-researched, fast-paced content that is both educational and gripping. Perfect for history enthusiasts, curious minds, or anyone looking to learn about significant disasters without a huge time commitment.

Latest Episodes

View all 93 episodes

The Bombing of Air India Flight 182

Aug 8, 202625 min

The Laki Fissure Eruption

Aug 1, 202622 min

The Ronan Point Collapse

Jul 25, 202623 min

The King's Cross Fire

Jul 18, 202624 min

The Oppau Explosion

Jul 11, 202621 min

The Lockerbie Disaster

Jul 4, 202620 min

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

Jun 27, 202624 min

The Courrières Mine Disaster

Jun 20, 202621 min

The Black Saturday Bushfires

Jun 13, 202625 min

The Sandoz Chemical Spill

Jun 7, 202623 min

The Kaprun Funicular Fire

May 30, 202620 min

The Piper Alpha Disaster

May 23, 202626 min

The Japan Air Lines Flight 123 Disaster

May 16, 202621 min

The Port Chicago Explosion

May 9, 202623 min

Ep 78The Bradford City Stadium Fire

In this episode of Compact Disasters, we look at the Bradford City Stadium Fire, the tragedy that unfolded at Valley Parade on 11 May 1985 during what should have been a day of celebration. We follow the events of the fire itself, the terrible human cost, and the inquiry that revealed how ageing wooden stands, accumulated litter, and poor safety measures turned a football match into one of the darkest days in British sporting history. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #BradfordCityFire, #ValleyParade, #FootballHistory, #CompactDisasters, #BritishHistory, #StadiumDisaster, #DisasterHistory, #SportsHistory

Apr 11, 202620 min

Ep 77The 2015 Nepal Earthquake

On 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal and changed the country in seconds. In this episode, we explore how the quake hit, why Nepal was so vulnerable, what happened in Kathmandu and on Mount Everest, and how rescue teams and survivors faced the days that followed. This is a story of geological force, human loss, cultural destruction, and the long effort to rebuild after one of the deadliest disasters in Nepal's modern history. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #NepalEarthquake, #2015NepalEarthquake, #Nepal, #Earthquake, #NaturalDisaster, #DisasterHistory, #Kathmandu, #MountEverest, #CompactDisasters, #HistoryPodcast

Apr 4, 202620 min

Ep 76The Morro Castle Fire

In this episode of Compact Disasters, we explore the terrifying story of the Morro Castle fire, the 1934 ocean liner disaster that turned a luxury voyage into a floating inferno off the coast of New Jersey. From the sudden death of the captain to the rapid spread of the flames, the failed evacuation, and the haunting image of the burned ship drifting ashore, this is a story of panic, bravery, and unanswered questions. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #MorroCastle #MorroCastleFire #MaritimeDisaster #OceanLiner #ShipFire #1930sHistory #DisasterHistory #CompactDisasters

Mar 28, 202624 min

Ep 75The Vargas Tragedy

In this episode of Compact Disasters, we explore the Vargas Tragedy, the catastrophic floods, landslides, and debris flows that struck Venezuela in December 1999. What began as relentless rain became one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern Latin American history, destroying towns, cutting off communities, and leaving thousands dead or missing. This is the story of how geography, weather, and human vulnerability combined with horrifying force. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #CompactDisasters, #VargasTragedy, #Venezuela, #NaturalDisaster, #Landslide, #Flood, #DisasterHistory, #ExtremeWeather, #Mudslide, #HistoryPodcast

Mar 21, 202623 min

Podcasthon - When Seconds Matter: The Life-Saving Work of the UK Air Ambulance

We are very happy to participate in this 4th edition of Podcasthon. For one week, thousands of podcasts will highlight a charity of their choice and today we have the pleasure of welcoming the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. If you wish to find out more about their work please follow the link below. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance - ambucopter.org.uk When a serious accident happens, every second counts. Across the United Kingdom, air ambulance crews race against time to deliver life-saving treatment directly at the scene of emergencies. From motorway crashes and farming accidents to cardiac arrests in remote countryside, these helicopter medical teams bring hospital-level care to patients when minutes can mean the difference between life and death. In this episode, we explore how the UK's air ambulance services began, how missions unfold, and how communities help keep these life-saving helicopters in the sky. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #AirAmbulance, #EmergencyMedicine, #CompactDisasters, #HelicopterRescue, #MedicalRescue

Mar 17, 202624 min

Ep 74The Lake Nyos Disaster

In August 1986, a quiet volcanic lake in Cameroon suddenly released a massive cloud of carbon dioxide that silently swept through nearby villages. More than 1,700 people and thousands of animals died overnight in one of the strangest natural disasters ever recorded. In this episode, we explore how a peaceful lake became a deadly natural trap, how scientists uncovered the cause, and how engineers worked to prevent it from ever happening again. Visit our website: Compact Disasters Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube #NaturalDisasters, #LakeNyos, #CompactDisasters, #VolcanicDisasters, #ScienceMysteries

Mar 14, 202624 min
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