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The Definitive Worst Natural Disasters Of All Time

When nature unleashes its fury upon us, it scarcely manages not to take some unfortunate lives too. Some of the worst natural disasters in history have a death toll that rises somewhere in the hundreds of thousands levels. Using this kind of scaling, we scouted history in search for the most damaging natural disasters of all time.

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However, instead of ranking them individually, we’ve decided to find the biggest disaster of each category. So, if you’re curious to find out which tornado, earthquake, avalanche, eruption, etc. wreaked most havoc in its path, read ahead for the definitive list of worst natural disasters of all time.

Avalanche: Peru, 1970

In 1970, Peru was hit by what history now knows by as the Ancash earthquake. The strength of the earthquake led to a destabilization in Mt. Huascaran’s northern slope, which resulted in a grisly avalanche. Afterwards, the landslide advanced at 100 mph toward the villages of Yungay and Ranrahirca. They got buried underneath 80 million cubic feet of ice, rock, and mud which stretched on a territory of approximately 11 miles.

The final death toll of this deadly earthquake and avalanche combo was 20,000 people.

Blizzard: Iran, 1972

On February 3, 1972 the people in northwestern, central, and southern Iran were hit with harshly low temperatures and severe winter storms. These weather conditions lasted for a whole week, during which several villages got buried underneath as much as 26 feet of snow. The newspaper Ettela’at reported that the city of Ardakan and its surrounding villages suffered the most. In fact, several villages claimed no survivors at the end of the blizzard period, including Kakkan, Kumar, and Sheklab.

The final death toll of the week-long blizzard was 4,000 people.

Cyclone: East Pakistan (Bangladesh), 1970

On November 8, 1970 a cyclone started forming above the Bay of Bengal. It started moving north, making the landfall on the coast of East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh) on November 11. At that time, the cyclone was at the peak of its strength, ravaging the territory with winds of over 115 mph.

However, the cause of the biggest damage was the storm surge. It massively hit the low-lying offshore islands of the Ganges Delta. The devastating cyclone completely wiped out several villages, destroyed a great number of crops, and then took many lives. Upazila, Tazumuddin was the most affected by the disastrous prowess of the storm with nearly half of its population losing their lives in the process.

The final death toll of the devastating Bhola cyclone is estimated to have been around 375,000 people.

Earthquake: China, 1556

The Shaanxi earthquake, as history recorded it, is one of the worst natural disasters in history. It was the third one, to be more precise. An earthquake that struck China during the Ming Dynasty affected over 97 counties in various Chinese provinces. Examples are Shaanxi, Henan, Gansu, and others. The calamity affected a 520-mile long area and the most damage came from the precarious methods of living at the time. The majority of China’s population lived, at the time, in loess cliffs. They were artificial caves that easily collapsed at the impact. This would rightfully explain why the disaster took so many lives despite modern research grading its magnitude with a 7.9 on the Mercalli scale.

The final death toll of the most disastrous earthquake in history was of 830,000 people.

Flood: China, 1931

Excluding pandemics and famines, the 1931 China floods stand ahead of the worst natural disasters in history, especially when referring to the 20^th century. For several years prior to the floods, China experienced some bizarre climatic behaviors. The country was ravaged by a two-year long severe drought, followed by winters with harsh snowstorms and, ultimately, a massive spring thaw. Therefore, combined with the heavy rains, this raised the water levels of rivers, more specifically the Yangtze and Huai rivers.

The final death toll is still unclear, but most records estimate it to be somewhere between 1 million and 4 million people.

Heat Wave: Europe, 2003

In June 2003, a scorching heat wave spread all across Europe, mostly affecting the Western countries. Then, that same year registered the hottest summer on record since the year 1540. Needless to say, the heat wave unleashed chaos among many of the European countries which had to deal with a major health crisis and considerable crop shortfalls. The most arid period was between July and August that year as a result of a mix between continental hot airs and influence from warm Atlantic waters.

The final death toll of this rampaging heat wave was placed at approximately 70,000 people.

Tornado: Bangladesh, 1989

Bangladesh is a known hotspot for tornadoes, but none have managed to cause as much destruction in its path as the Daulatpur-Saturia tornado, one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history. The tornado was one mile long, traveling across a 50-mile long territory. Therefore, it mostly traversed the slums and poor areas of Bangladesh. It affected the cities of Daulatpur and Saturia most of all.

The final death toll of the world’s greatest tornado disaster was of roughly 1,300 people.

Tsunami: Greece, 365

Natural disasters have been wreaking havoc since ancient times and the 365 Crete earthquake stands as proof of that. On July 21 of that year, an earthquake with an epicenter near Crete shook the Eastern Mediterranean countries to the core. It caused great destruction in parts of Greece and Libya, as well as in Egypt, Spain, and Cyprus. More disastrous, however, was the tsunami that followed. Many antique minds at the time wrote about the cataclysm, noting how Libya and Alexandria suffered the most.

Moreover, the second worst tsunami disaster in history happened in 2004 in Sumatra. So, it’s safe to say that we advanced technologically but some things are still the same.

The final death toll of the Crete tsunami is estimated to have been between 300,000 and 500,000 people.

Volcano: Indonesia, 1815

Mount Tambora, located on Sumbawa in the Dutch East Indies (what we know as Indonesia today) erupted in April 1815, leaving its mark on history as one of the worst natural disasters of all time. What makes this particular cataclysm so noteworthy is that its aftermaths affected humanity on a global level.

Historians believe the eruption dropped temperatures worldwide significantly. They believe it stood as the source for the Year Without a Summer from 1816. In the same time period following the eruption, harvest failures increased. The climates all over the world experienced erratic instances of extreme weather.

The final death toll of Mount Tambora’s global-scaled eruption is estimated to be around 92,000 people.

Final Words

For some reason, many of us have a strange fascination with natural phenomena. But the sheer scale and implications of the worst natural disasters in history are here to remind us just how terrifying they can be.

10 Most Interesting Blizzard Facts You Can Learn Today

Most of us don’t pay mind to blizzards until we actually get struck by one. However, with the following blizzard facts, we’re going to prove that this wintertime phenomenon is just as fascinating and dreadful as any.

#1 What Makes A Blizzard

We know both the term blizzard and the term snowstorm, but is there anything that differentiates them? Yes, there are actually several conditions that a snowstorm must meet before you can classify one as a blizzard.

A large amount of snow needs to fall;
Winds must be greater than 35 mph;
Visibility needs to be less than the quarter of a mile;
These conditions need to last for at least 3 whole hours for the snowstorm to become a blizzard.

So, basically, you get copious amounts of snow blown into your face at high velocity and you can barely see anything ahead of you. It’s the kind of thing you REALLY don’t want to get mixed into.

#2 It’s Also Really Cold

Some people argue that whenever it’s snowing, that means the temperatures aren’t THAT low. This is partly true, unless it’s a blizzard we’re talking about. It wouldn’t be a faithful list about blizzard facts if we left out their deadly potential, after all. It’s pretty common for temperatures to drop below freezing level during a blizzard. As a result, people that get caught in the middle of this vicious snowstorm might end up suffering from frostbite or hypothermia. Many people have died because of these two conditions, resulted from the enhancing effect the snow and wind have on the cold.

#3 They Need Special Invitation

However, a snowstorm doesn’t just develop into a blizzard at random. There are some weather conditions that must be met first. Typically, a blizzard appears when the jet stream pitches at an extreme southern angle. When the cold air that comes from the north clashes with the warm air that’s associated with the south, this gives birth to an unstable effect which triggers the fury of the blizzard.

#4 The First Danger Zone

These days, the fiercest of blizzards can shut down schools or other public institutions. In some instances, the government labels the worst of the worst as federal emergencies. The very first instance for this kind of situation was in 1977. A powerful blizzard affected upstate New York and Southern Ohio. Although the snow gains weren’t significant (only 12 inches in 5 days), it was the violent winds that really turned these two states upside down.

#5 Legendary Blizzard No. 1

Ever wondered when people decided that blizzards warranted shutting down schools? Here’s one of the blizzard facts that might help you clear the fog over this mystery. In 1888, one of the worst blizzards of all time swept across the Great Plains. Whether its approach was known information or not is still unclear, but what’s certain is that the blizzard hit at a time when many children were still in their schoolhouses. In their attempts to return home, many of them lost their lives on the road back home. What would later be known as the Schoolhouse Blizzard took an approximate of 235 lives.

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#6 Legendary Blizzard No. 2

That wasn’t the only great blizzard of the year. Also in 1888, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts were the victims of the so-called Great Blizzard of 1888. All of these locations encountered a blizzard that covered them with over 50 inches of snow, which ended up paralyzing the normal functioning of society. People were trapped in their houses for as much as a week and thirty even died because of various reasons related to the blizzard.

#7 The Haven Of Blizzards

Blizzard facts show us that the majority of the ones that strike the USA tend to pile up around the East Coast area. This is because the East Coast is home to a type of storms called Nor’easters. The storms gather moisture from the Atlantic, something that results in a considerable quantity of snow. Nor’easters swipe all across the coast, from Maine to Delaware, and they generate blizzards that typically last between 12 and 24 whole hours. For the Nor’easter-type blizzards, experts measure the snow quantity in feet as opposed to inches (there’s just that much snow!)

#8 Named Phenomena

As if blizzards aren’t bad enough while they’re happening, the aftermaths are just as unpleasant. If it snowed prior to a blizzard, it can become a thousand times worse due to something called a whiteout. Whiteouts are instances when strong winds start hurling fallen snow everywhere.

After three days and three nights of whipping winds, cold temperatures, and vicious snowstorms, the terror continues. When big quantities of snow drop, blizzard facts take us to another phenomenon: snowdrifts. They’re the huge mountains of snow that incapacitate us greatly. From steering the car out of the parking lot to getting out of the house for grocery shopping, navigating the streets is instantly tougher.

#9 Survival Tactics

The biggest danger in a blizzard is frostbite. Because of the combination of low temperatures and strong winds, the weather outside can feel even up to 28 degrees colder than it actually is. When in these dire conditions, it only takes approximately 30 minutes before frostbite settles it, endangering your life.

To avoid this as much as possible while you’re stuck outdoors during a blizzard, follow some tips. First, make sure you’re hydrated and properly nourished. If you have no other source of heat, make a fire. Keep your clothes dry and don’t eat snow at any costs.

#10 Precaution Measures At Hand

Having supplies and first aid kits is necessary for any possible unpleasant outcome, blizzards included. If traveling by car during a blizzard or if you get caught while you’re driving, it’s best for you to have a first aid near. You can look up on Google or talk to an expert about the necessities of that kit. Moreover, keep an eye on the weather forecasts. When they issue ‘winter storm warnings,’ it means that a blizzard is heading your way. This may cut off your electricity supplies, including water and heating too. So, make sure you have blankets, canned foods, and flashlights ready.

Final Words

After all these blizzard facts, it’s clearer than ever that these winter storms are nothing you should mess with. They’ve done great damage in the past and no technological advancement could stop them from continuing to do so in the present.

9 Key Facts about Droughts You Should Read About

Here are some useful facts about droughts that you may be interested in knowing. This common natural disaster has an impact on many different aspects of our lives, including environmental, economical, and social impacts. Which is why it is important we get proper information about this so-called “creeping phenomenon”. In this article, we will reveal crucial facts about drought and the water situation in California.

First things first. Before sharing key facts about droughts, we must answer a few questions:

What is a drought? Droughts are a common natural disaster, and one of the worst to occur. It is a lengthy period of time that may stretch up to a few years in which the land experiences a lack of water
How do droughts occur? A drought can take decades to fully develop. They are also quite difficult to predict. Droughts occur when there is a prolonged absence of rain. They can take place at any given time. This means that it is not uncommon for droughts to occur during winter time.

9 Facts about Droughts You Should Know

1. There are different types of drought

Although we use “drought” as a general term, there is more than one type of drought.

A socioeconomic drought is the one that affects the humans in a certain society through water shortage. Individuals living in these areas lack access to drinking water and running water.

A meteorological drought can affect a region that is suffering from a lack of rainfall.

The agricultural drought describes areas where people cannot grow crops because of the water scarcity. As a result, the production of foods is affected and it shows in the higher price of crops.

A hydrological drought translates into a low level of water in the lake and the reservoir in an area.

2. They affect both wildlife and plant life

When extreme droughts occur, wildlife can die. However, most of the animals can still be saved when the drought does not last for too long.

Plants, on the other hand, are more sensitive. If the land starts showing signs of decline, entire crops may stop growing and get destroyed.

The damage caused by drought also reflects in the prices of vegetables, fruits, and other crops. Increased prices are one of the many effects that occur because of this phenomenon.

3. They stand a higher risk today

The risk of drought occurring has actually doubled today. And it is all due to climate change. It affects a wide range of factors associated with drought. It is believed that climate change will particularly increase the risk of two types of droughts: hydrological and agricultural. Scientists believe that increased temperatures will lead to more rain, but lessen the probability of snow and early snow melt, along with increased evaporation and transpiration.

4. There is a pattern

In the United States, droughts are more likely to affect the Midwest and the South. More than 44 percent of California is in exceptional drought. This is the worst level of drought according to the Drought Severity Classification.

5. They lead to hunger and famine

Food crops cannot be supported in these conditions because of the scarcity of water. The grass and grain that farmers use to feed their livestock face the same problem. As droughts reduce or destroy food sources altogether, people in an affected area go hungry. If its level of severity is high and continues over a prolonged period of time, famine is most likely to occur.

6. They influence the Sierra Nevada Snowpack

Speaking of facts about droughts in California, the Sierra Nevada Snowpack is also experiencing an abnormality. Counted on to provide about 30 percent of California’s water supply through the melting of the snow, it is reported that the snow-water content is only 5 percent of normal. Earlier this year, in April, researchers noted that the average snow-water equivalent for California was only 19 inches, which is just 71 percent of normal. In the same month, nearly 90 percent of the state was suffering from some level of drought.

7. They have an impact on our health

Droughts often cause an insufficiency of clean water for drinking, personal hygiene, and public sanitation. This, of course, can lead to a broad range of possibly life-threatening diseases. In a drought, some people may reduce hand washing and other practices as a way to conserve water. This proliferates the spread of infectious diseases such as gastrointestinal illnesses. Since severe droughts can also impact the air quality, the CDC reports an increased risk for respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Furthermore, certain mental health effects are linked to droughts. People whose livelihood is connected to water supplies (farmers and horticulturalists) may develop adverse mental health conditions. Financial-related worries can cause anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health conditions.

8. There is a link to mosquito-borne diseases

As droughts shrink bodies of water, it becomes stagnant. This offers mosquitoes the perfect breeding ground. Furthermore, the lack of water can change the behavior of the insects and have them infected themselves with diseases carried out by certain types of birds. Consequently, it may lead to outbreaks of St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern Equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus.

9. They lead to desertification

When droughts recur and continue to recur, they can lead to desertification. When desertification occurs as a result of drought, it can produce an incredibly severe ecological catastrophe. The most obvious example would be the Horn of Africa, which has seen recurring droughts.

Drought and desertification are interconnected natural phenomena. Inappropriate human land management in combination with climatic constraints drive land degradation and desertification. Scientists expect that climate change will aggravate both the duration and the severity of drought worldwide. These conditions will add up to the already fragile drylands. This may accelerate the rate of desertification.

When comparing them to tornadoes or floods, people often do not consider droughts to be such a catastrophic natural phenomenon. However, these key facts about droughts should shed light on the serious consequences they can have. While it may be tough to stop droughts from occurring, we can still try to find ways to manage the situation better.

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