The Deadliest Natural Disasters Since 2000
The Deadliest Natural Disasters Since 2000
Natural disasters occur right across the world and are characterized by a sudden destructive event such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane volcanic eruption etc. that generally brings with it loss of life and major structural damage and financial loss. The deadliest natural disasters that have occurred since the year 2000 vary across the world in several categories.
Avalanches Kolka-Karmadon Rock and Ice Slide – Russia
On September 20th, 2002, the northern slope of Kazbek massif in North Ossetia Russia created a massive rock and ice landslide when the Kolka glacier partially collapsed. The avalanche and mudflow killed 125 people. A 490 ft. piece of the glacier travelled 20 miles down the Karmadon Gorge and Koban Valley at over 62 mph and two villages were flooded due to the ice blockage.
Salang Avalanches – Afghanistan – 2010
The 2010 Salang avalanches were actually a series of 36 avalanches that hit the southern approach of the Salang Tunnel north of Kabul. The rockslides were caused by a freak storm in the mountains causing the land to give way and bury at least 2.2 miles of roadway within the tunnel, trapping over 2,000 people in their vehicles. The majority of the trapped people were rescued and the death toll reached 64 people.
Kohistan Avalanche – Pakistan – 2010
On February 17, 2010, an avalanche occurred in the Kohistan District in Pakistan, hitting the village of Bagaro Senai and killing up to 102 people. The avalanche was caused by heavy snows in recent days and rescuers had trouble reaching the remote village due to the blockage of the roads and further landslides.
Blizzards Afghanistan Blizzard – 2008
In 2008, a fierce blizzard hit Afghanistan in February, plunging temperatures to -30 C ( -22 F) and up to 180 cm ( 5.9 ft.) of snow. The blizzard killed at least 926 people and hospitals had to perform amputations on over 100 people due to frostbite. Aid organizations from around the world sent clothing, blankets, food and fuel to the provinces and throughout the country to help.
Chinese Winter Storms – 2008
Starting on January 25 and running until February 6, 2008, large portions of southern and central China were affected by a series of winter storms bringing heavy snow, ice and cold temperatures. The storms caused extensive damage to buildings and disrupted transportation for thousands of travelers. It was the worst winter in China in half a century, resulting in at least 129 deaths.
Tropical Cyclones Hurricane Katrina – United States – 2005
Hurricane Katrina was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane to hit the United States during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the costliest disaster up to that time and is one of the 5 deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the United States. Katrina is the sixth most intense hurricane ever recorded and at least 1,833 people died in the storm and flood waters.
Cyclone Nargis – Myanmar – 2008
The worst recorded natural disaster to hit Myanmar occurred on Friday May 2, 2008 was cyclone Nargis. It was a rare eastward moving low-latitude tropical cyclone that sent a storm surge 40 km ( 24.8 miles) inland. The storm caused catastrophic damage and was responsible for the deaths of at least 138,000 people.
Typhoon Haiyan – Philippines – 2013
Typhoon Haiyan, known as typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines was an intense cyclonic storm that struck the Philippines and other portions of South East Asia on November 8, 2013. It is the deadliest cyclone in the Philippines’ history, with a recorded 6,201 deaths. There are a reported 1,785 people missing and it affected at least 11 million people in the region.
Earthquakes Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami – Indian Ocean – 2004
On December 26th 2004, an undersea mega-thrust earthquake occurred just off the coast of Sumatra. The actual earthquake caused little damage as it was centered off-shore; however, the resulting series of tsunamis inundated several countries in its path, wiping out many villages and resulting in the deaths of at least 238,210 – 280,000 people in the area.
Haiti Earthquake – Haiti – 2010
A catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the country of Haiti on Tuesday January 12, 2010. Scientists recorded at least 52 aftershocks in the days following of at least 4.5 or greater. The destruction was widespread with an estimated 250,000 homes and 30,000 businesses destroyed. The earthquake caused an estimated 100,000 – 159,000 deaths.
Kashmir Earthquake – Pakistan – 2005
Pakistan’s region of Kashmir was hit by a major earthquake on October 8, 2005. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake affected several countries and regions surrounding Kashmir and affecting 3.5 million people, leaving them homeless or displaced. The resulting death toll covers the entire region and is approximately 100,000 people.
Sichuan Earthquake – China – 2008
One of the most devastating earthquakes to hit China occurred on Monday May 12, 2008 in the Sichuan province. It measured 8.0 and 7.9 and left 69,195 people dead and 18,392 missing. The earthquake was felt in surrounding countries and the aftershocks measuring 6.0 and lower continued to hit the area months after the initial earthquake.
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami – Japan – 2011
On Friday March 11, 2011 a mega-thrust earthquake occurred off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku and measured 9.0. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded to have hit Japan and the fifth most powerful earthquake in the world. It resulted in a massive tsunami with waves reaching 133 ft. in some areas. The earthquake was so powerful, it moved Honshu on the main island of Japan 8 feet to the East, and shifted the Earth on its axis 4 – 10 inches. The death toll was estimated at 15,884 with 2,633 people missing.
Non-Cyclonic Storm Rio de Janeiro Floods and Landslides – Brazil – 2011
In January of 2011, Rio de Janeiro was hit by severe storms that caused flooding, landslides and mudslides. It is considered one of the worst weather related disasters to have hit Brazil in recorded history. It resulted in at least 903 deaths in 5 cities.
Bushfire Black Saturday Bushfires – Australia – 2009
A series of bushfires were ignited or were burning on and around Saturday February 7, 2009 and occurred during one of the worst ever bushfire conditions due to extreme dry weather. It resulted in the highest ever loss of life in Australia with 173 people dead and 414 injured. It was recorded that as many as 400 fires were burning in the region on Feb. 7, 2009, resulting in it being named Black Saturday.
Tornadoes Tornado Outbreak May 26 – 31 – United States – 2013
During a 5 day period in May 2013, a tornado outbreak brought an astounding 93 tornadoes to the United States Great Plains States. It was caused by a slow-moving and powerful storm system that created tornadoes to form in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Michigan. There were a total of 27 deaths in and severe widespread damage was reported. One of the strongest tornadoes ever recorded occurred in El Reno, Oklahoma with wind speeds of 295 mph. and a width of 2.5 miles.
Moore Tornado – United States – 2013
On the afternoon of May 20th, 2013 and EF5 tornado, with peak wind speeds of 210 mph hit the city of Moore, Oklahoma. The system caused several tornadoes to form over central Oklahoma over a two day period. The Moore tornado touched down and remained on the ground for 39 minutes and over 17 miles. The damage was estimated at $2 billion, and a death toll of 24, with 377 injured.
