What year did the famous Buffalo Creek Flood occur?

The Buffalo Creek Flood occurred in 1972, which is significant in West Virginia's history due to its devastating impact. This disaster resulted from the failure of a coal waste dam, releasing a massive volume of water and sludge that swept through the Buffalo Creek hollow, destroying homes, infrastructure, and taking the lives of 125 people. The event underscored the importance of environmental regulations and safety measures regarding mining operations and waste management. The flood highlighted the vulnerabilities of communities to industrial disasters and became a pivotal moment that influenced environmental policy in the state and beyond. This historical context makes 1972 the correct answer regarding the year of the flood.