-
9.0-Magnitude Earthquake and Tsunami- Sumatra
An earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, triggering tsunamis that swept through the coastal regions of a dozen countries bordering the Indian Ocean. -
Hurricane Katrina- United States
This was the largest and 3rd strongest hurricane ever recorded to make landfall in the US. In New Orleans, the levees were designed for Category 3, but Katrina peaked at a Category 5 hurricane, with winds up to 175 mph. It caused $81 billion in property damages, but it is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi may exceed $150 billion, earning the title of costliest hurricane ever in US history. Hurricane Katrina impacted about 90,000 square miles. -
7.0-Magnitude Earthquake- Haiti
More than 230,000 people were killed when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. -
Hurricane Sandy- United States
Hurricane Sandy, also known as the Superstorm Sandy, was a Category 3 hurricane that first hit Cuba on October 25. It had first formed over the western Caribbean Sea on October 22, and gradually strengthened as it moved toward Greater Antilles.
