10 Of The Worst Natural Disasters Ever Recorded

Natural disasters are a constant occurrence on this planet, and they are the one thing that is completely beyond human control. Of course climate change, which humans do contribute to, plays a significant role in certain natural events, but some of them are just Mother Nature’s way of asserting her power. There is much debate around what constitutes the “worst” natural disaster ever, but this list contains ten different natural disasters that are all terrible in their own unique ways. Destructive and terrifying, natural disasters have a way of reminding us all how small we truly are!

Hurricane Andrew

This hurricane, which took place in 1993, claimed 25 lives, and cost the US government over $26 billion in property damages.

Tohoku Tsunami

Tohoku suffered from a massive earthquake in 2011, which was actually the 7th largest recorded earthquake ever. The earthquake, which measured a 9.0 on the Richter scale, then triggered an awful tsunami that led to the death of approximately 15 million people.

Nevado del Ruiz Volcano Eruption

This eruption was the second-largest volcano-related incident in the 20th century, occurring in 1985. It was a tragedy, causing the death of over 25,000 people.

Bhola Cyclone

The Bhola Cyclone, which took place in 1970, took over 500,000 lives in Bangladesh.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was the sixth strongest hurricane to ever hit the United States. It ended up costing the government over $81 billion in damages.

New Zealand Earthquake

The earthquake that hit New Zealand in 2011 caused the death of 185 people, and injury to over 150 more.

Pakistan Earthquake

The earthquake that struck Pakistan in 2005 was a 7.6 on the Richter scale, and it took 75,000 lives. It left 106,000 people injured as well.

Afghanistan Blizzard

The Afghanistan Blizzard of 2008 resulted in 1,337 people dying. Many others also underwent amputation due to frostbite.

Haiti Earthquake

The earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010 was absolutely horrific. It resulted in 200,000 deaths, left 2 million homeless, and 3 million in need of emergency assistance.

Gujarat Earthquake

The Gujarat earthquake, which took the lives of 20,000 Indians, occurred in 2001. It left 600,000 people homeless as well.