In 2025, many countries around the world experienced tragic natural disasters, killing thousands of people.
The deadliest disaster was the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar's Sagaing Region near Mandalay on March 28. It killed an estimated 3,300-4,500 people, destroyed thousands of buildings, and caused an estimated $12 billion in damage. The tremors were also felt in Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
Severe flooding occurred in July in the Guadalupe River basin in Texas. Record-breaking high water levels (26-31 feet per hour) killed 135-140 people, mostly at summer camps. This disaster was the deadliest flood in the United States in 50 years.
In the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa (Category 5, winds up to 185 mph) hit Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti in October. It caused severe flooding, landslides, and destroyed thousands of homes, killing dozens and causing billions of dollars in damage.
In Australia, Cyclone Alfred (Category 4) caused severe flooding in Queensland and New South Wales in March, destroying thousands of homes and infrastructure.
On January 7, 2025, wildfires in the United States, notably the Palisades Fire (in Pacific Palisades) and the Eaton Fire (in Altadena), spread rapidly due to winds, drought, and dry vegetation. Official figures indicate that these fires have killed 31 people. This number made the fires the second-deadliest wildfire in California history (after the Camp Fire, which killed 85 people).
There were also numerous floods and storms across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe during the year, which have become more frequent due to climate change.
In the United States, spring and summer storms caused tornadoes and flooding, resulting in $34 billion in damage.
