Devastating Tsunamis

WORST NATURAL DISASTERS Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004) An underwater earthquake of magnitude 9.15 triggered waves as high as 30 metres lashing the coasts of India, Indonesia, Srilanka, Thailand and Maldives. Casualties: 300,000 | Damage: U.S. $10 billion Hurricane Katrina (2005) Hurricane Katrina brought winds of upto 140 miles per hour smashing the Gulf Coast of the United States. It destroyed everything in its path and caused widespread flooding. Casualties: 1,833 | Damage: U.S. $108 billion Kashmir Earthquake (2005) An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck near Muzaffarabad destroying the city and adjoining areas. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan wa badly. also affected Casualties: 100,000 | Damage: U.S. $ 5.1 billion Bhola Cyclone (1970) The Bhola Cyclone struck East Pakistan (now Banagladesh) with winds of upto 130 miles per hour. It caused widespread flooding and is the deadliest cyclone in history based on death toll. Casualties: 500,000 | Damage: U.S.$ 450 million Eruption of Mount Nevado (1985) The sudden eruption of Mount Nevado in Columbia, completely buried the town Armero under lava and ash. It is the most deadliest volcanic eruption in recent history. Casualties: 25,000 | Damage: U.S. $ 560 million Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) An earthquake of magnitude 9.1 hit Tohoku, Japan and was followed by a tsunami of waves as high as 40 metres. A nuclear power plant was also damaged causing release of harmful radiation. Casualties: 15,900 | Damage: U.S.$ 200 billiion