On this day today, back in 2005, Kashmir was hit with a devastating earthquake that bought us to our knees. The measure of destruction was unfathomable. Many died, many were injured and many more lost their homes. They say, remembering the dead brings them peace. Let’s take a look at the most horrifying natural disasters in the last century and say a prayer for all those affected by them.
1. China Floods of 1931
Estimated Death Toll: 3.7 million
The Yangtze River in China flooded over a 500 square mile area killing millions and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
2. Tangshan Earthquake of 1976
Estimated Death Toll: 450,000
The deadliest earthquake of the 20th century, the 7.8 earthquake hit Tangshan region of China. The earthquake occurred in the dead of night for just 14 seconds, but the destruction it unleashed is unparalleled.
3. Bhola Cyclone of 1970
Estimated Death Toll: 350,000-400,000
Most of you don’t remember this, but in 1970, the Bhola Cyclone destroyed huge areas of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) including 45% of the population of the town of Tazmuddin. To-date, it remains one of the most lethal natural disasters of all time.
4. Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004
Estimated Death Toll: 250,000-300,000
Tsunami is basically an earthquake in the ocean. This one measured 9.1 on the Richter causing the Indian Ocean to rise as humongous waves ravaged the coastal populations of Indonesia, Thailand and even Sri Lanka.
5. Typhoon Nina and the 62 dam flood of 1975
Estimated Death Toll: 229,000
The super typhoon Nina struck China. It didn’t kill anyone but caused Banquio and Shimantan Dams to collapse. The flooding destroyed 29 counties in the Henan province as thousands lost their lives.
6. Haiti Earthquake of 2010
Estimated Death Toll: 150,000
The 7.0 earthquake originated from the town of Leogane in Haiti. Aftershocks continued for another 2 weeks as most of Haiti was affected. A number of influential people died that day including Haiti’s pope and a number of political leaders.
7. Bangladesh Cyclone of 1991
Estimated Death Toll: 139,000
A tropical cyclone travelling at 250 km/hr swept through Chittagong, Bangladesh. 139,000 people were killed as another 10 million were left homeless. It could have been worse was it not for the preparation that had already been made after the Bhola cyclone of 70.
8. Cyclone Nargis of 2008
Estimated Death Toll: 138,000
The cyclone hit Myanmar sending a storm surge 40 km into the country. The Lebutta township and Bogale were almost completely destroyed.
9. Kashmir Earthquake of 2005
Estimated Death Toll: 90,000-100,000
In 2005, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Azad Kashmir affecting Khyber Pakthunkhwa province and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Almost 70% of the total casualties were reported to have been just from Muzaffarabad, but many other small settlements were completely destroyed.
10. Sichuan Earthquake of 2008
Estimated Death Toll: 85,000
The 7.9 magnitude quake hammered Sichuan province, China, making it the worst thing to hit them since Tangshan. Strong aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 6, continued to hit the area even months after the main quake, causing new casualties and damage.
11. European Heat Wave of 2003
Estimated Death Toll: 70,000
In 2003, a heat wave struck across Europe that killed without mercy. Crops and animals died too as life came to a halt. France was affected the worst with 14,000 deaths there alone. Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK also suffered.
12. Russian Heat Wave of 2010
Estimated Death Toll: 55,000
An abnormal heat wave experienced in Russia, it caused fires throughout the country, the worst drought in nearly 40 years, and the loss of at least 9 million hectares of crops.
13. Manjil-Rudbar Earthquake of 1990
Estimated Death Toll: 50,000
The quake was the biggest in the history of Iran measuring 7.4 on the Richter. It occurred just north of Tehran ravaging the cities of Manjil and Rudbar and hence the name.
Honorable Mentions
14. Huascarán avalanche of 1970
Estimated Death Toll: 20,000
The avalanche in Peru, buried two whole towns. It swept about 16.5 km at a speed of 210-280 km/hr to reach the village of Yungay.
15. Tragedia de Vargas of 1999
Estimated Death Toll: 15,000
The Tragedy of Vargas is unlike anything else on this list. It was caused by torrential downpours that formed flash floods. The floods carried debris with them destroying the state of Vargas in Venezuela. Entire neighbourhoods were buried in layers of mud.
It’s just scary how much destruction and tragedy can be caused by something we can’t control. What we can do is remember all we have lost and learn from it.
