In order to analyze the cause, effect and relief efforts of the Johnstown floods of 1889,1936, and 1977, existing literature, journalistic accounts, and official documents concerning the floods were investigated.

At 4:00 PM on May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam burst, releasing 60 million tons of water into the Conemaugh Valley. The flood destroyed Johnstown and the surrounding communities within a few minutes. The official totals were 2209 persons killed, 30,000 homeless, and 17.2 million dollars property damage. From Sang Hollow, a community four miles from Johnstown, the first description of the disastrous flood was sent to Pittsburgh by telegraph about two hours after the catastrophe. Several journalists set out by train for Johnstown immediately. A fire started in the flood debris and burned throughout the night. By morning rescue squads of survivors were trying to get through to those still marooned and to identify the dead.