Are there more catastrophes at Christmas?

It is widely believed that a disproportionate number of disasters take place during the festive season.  We used our data on major historical events to put that theory to the test.

More frequent: Train and plane crashes, sieges and earthquakes.

Less frequent: Stock market and banking crises, riots, fires and terrorist incidents.

The train and air crashes are unsurprising due to staff shortages and poor weather conditions, at least in the northern hemisphere, where the majority take place.  An increase in sieges make sense too - if your aim is to starve out the enemy, then picking a time of low food availability is obviously sensible.

Westerners might also expect terrorist incidents to increase at Christmas for maximum impact.  But the figures cover incidents from all over the world, including many countries where Christmas isn't widely celebrated.  In fact, February appears to be the most popular month for them.

More surprising is the apparent increase in earthquakes.  Tor Nørretranders, author of Danish popular science books, gives a plausible explanation.  "The increased number of earthquakes may be explained by the fact that any incident of the kind is more likely to get into the media when society goes on vacation", he said.

Comments

[Em]

Brilliant article. I do agree completely. Me and the family were only discussing yesterday how more crimes are commited on the 25th. Every year, something horrific happens on that day.. its supposed to be a fun day for all.. Maybe not all the time.