Natural disasters claim thousands of lives every year. Even when regions are put on high alert, there's no telling when disaster may strike. The ongoing drought conditions have compelled the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare 27 Californian counties as primary natural disaster areas in the United States.
"We have returned to a severe drought status in December. If we don't receive any rain for the next few weeks, we will be designated for emergency services again. We reset the clock." Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner Jeff Dolf, told Times Standard.
When it comes to natural disasters, the United States of America doesn't rank in the top five countries that have witnessed the worst natural disasters in the world, though it does rank in the top 10.
According to statistics, natural disasters were responsible for taking the lives of more than twice as many people last year than it did the year before. These numbers are bone-chilling, leaving you wondering what Mother Nature has in store for the future. Some regions in the world are more disaster-prone than others. Check now the top ten countries with the worst natural disasters in the world.
United States of America
Along with featuring in lists like the wealthiest countries, the most powerful country and the most popular countries in the world, the United States of America is also one of the top ten countries with the worst natural disasters in the world. People living in states like Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, New England, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana have witnessed life as they knew it change in a fraction of a second. The Galveston Hurricane that hit Texas in September 1900, is regarded to be the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the country claiming over 8000 lives. Other major disasters include the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 and Hurricane Katrina of 2005.
Philippines
This country has a history of deadly earthquakes, storms, floods and mudslides. Typhoons in Philippines have been responsible for claiming more than 1,000 lives for three straight years. Typhoon Haiyan that took place November 2013, was responsible for taking the lives of more than 3,600 individuals and left approximately 2 million people homeless. Natural disasters are also why this hard working country has remained on the developing country list rather than a developed country. People have been forced to live mediocre lives, with the fear of being displaced any time.
Haiti
Haiti has always been referred to the country where the most number of deaths have been caused due to natural disasters. In 2010, this country experienced an earthquake so deadly that it killed more than 330,000 people and affected more than one third of the country's population. Even now, people are suffering the consequences of that earthquake. The geographical location of Haiti has much to do with why this country is so prone to natural calamities. These disasters have also left the country with chronically high levels of poverty and malnutrition.
Iran
Earthquakes are the most deadly natural disasters this country experiences. Floods are also a great threat to the citizens of Iran with more than 70 percent of damages incurred through floods. Over 3,000 lives are lost each year in this country because of natural disasters and more than 70,000 people are displaced. A majority of the Iranian population lives below poverty levels.
Indonesia
The geographical location of Indonesia has compelled it to constantly cope with the fear of sudden floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. It is a country that contains the most number of active volcanoes in the world. Over the last decade, this country has made global headlines frequently for experiencing devastating natural calamities. The tsunami of 2004 was its deadliest natural disaster, claiming more than 167,000 lives in Indonesia. Floods are also a big hazard in this region and claim thousands of lives each year.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the fifth country most prone to natural disasters in the world. Catastrophic floods, cyclones and tornadoes have done much damage to this country. A recent flash flood in June 2013 affected more than 20,000 people of the country, leaving many of them homeless. Owing to the fact that it is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world and 80 percent of its population lives in rural areas, the impact of natural disasters is all the more devastating, sometimes going far beyond the people's ability to cope with the damages.
Pakistan
Pakistan is another disaster-prone country and has been subjected to many earthquakes, windstorms, floods, droughts and cyclones. This country is no stranger to adversity and has fought its way back from many heart-wrenching stories of natural disasters. The 2010 flood has been its worst experience. More than one fifth of the country was submersed in water and 20 million people were left homeless with 6 million displaced. However, the death toll was not as much as the May 1935 quake in Quetta that hit the country when it was still under the British rule. The earthquake claimed more than 60,000 lives.
India
India has been the victim of nearly every form of natural calamities including floods, famine, droughts and earthquakes. The Deccan famine of 1632 claimed more than 2,000,000 lives. The Latur earhtquake inteh state of Maarashtra in 1993 killed more than 10,000 people. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake was another tragic event and the country is still covering from it. It claimed more than 30,000 lives. India was also affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami regarded as the most destructive tsunami in history. It claimed 150,000 lives in 11 countries. The country has also suffered great losses and this has affected its economy in great measures. These natural calamities have also been responsible for why a majority of the country's population lives in poverty. The standard of living in India is also low.
Syria
Syria has been the victim of at least 3 of the top 10 worst natural disasters of all times. The 1138 earthquake that hit the largest city in this country is touted to be one of the most destructive earthquakes of all times. According to historic records, it claimed 230,000 lives and the city suffered extensive damage. The Antioch earthquake caused similar damage, claiming more than 300,000 lives. This country has faced some of the worst cyclones and earthquakes known in the history of mankind.
China
China is by far the number one country with the worst natural calamities, floods being its worst enemy. The Central China Floods of 1931 are often listed as the worst natural disaster to have ever taken place. A total of 3.7 million people died from drowning, starvation and diseases. Reports also claim that 51 million people were affected by this flood. The Yellow River Flood of 1887 was also the second deadliest disaster in the world that took the lives of 2,000,000 people.
