The Worst Disasters of 2010

2010 has proved to be the deadliest year for natural disasters. This year alone, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides have killed a quarter of a million people.

Haiti Earthquake

It started on January 12, when Haiti’s devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed more than 230,000 people and left more than 1 million people homeless. On February 27, a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile, killing more than 500 people. That quake also generated a tsunami that further incapacitated the region. March brought about the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Melted ice from the glacier caused floods that led to the evacuation of 800 Icelanders, and volcanic ash forced the closure of air flights that stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers. On April 14, a 6.9 magnitude quake rocked Yushu, China, killing 3,000 people and injuring more than 12,0000. May 27 and 29 hit Guatemala hard. Pacaya volcano erupted first. Two days later a tropical storm caused destructive landslides. July brought devastating floods to Pakistan, killing about 2,000 people and affecting millions more. In August, China’s Gansu Province experienced massive mudslides that killed 1,500 people. And in October, Indonesia endured both a tsunami and the eruption of Mount Merapi volcano. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and 350 people were killed. As we reflect on the enormous loss of life, we can only hope that Mother Nature is kinder to us in 2011.

December 23 2010 01:37 am | Earthquakes and Natural Disasters and Volcanoes

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