Vajont Dam

One of the world's most infamous disused dams, Vajont is a concrete double-curvature arch dam designed by **Carlo Semenza** and begun in 1956. During initial filling on 9 October 1963, a massive landslide from Monte Toc drove a wave over the crest and devastated communities below, killing roughly 1,900–2,500 people; the dam wall itself remained almost intact. It has never been returned to power use. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajont_Dam)) - **Unique attribute:** the disaster was caused by slope failure and overtopping, not structural collapse of the wall. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajont_Dam)) - **Why it remains:** the wall is maintained, a pumping station controls water level, and the site functions as a place of memory and visitation rather than electricity production. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajont_Dam)) - **Plans to destroy it:** no plans were identified to return it to service or remove it. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajont_Dam)) - **Further information:** - https://longaronevajont.it/ - https://www.visitlongarone.it/vajont/vajont-media-gallery/

Vajont Gorge, near Erto e Casso and Longarone, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy