TASS FACTBOX. TASS editors have compiled a list of the largest natural disasters in 2024, which caused numerous fatalities and substantial...
TASS FACTBOX. TASS editors have compiled a list of the largest natural disasters in 2024, which caused numerous fatalities and substantial material damage.
Earthquake
On January 1, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula near Japan, accompanied by over 8,500 aftershocks. The hardest-hit area was Ishikawa Prefecture. The earthquake triggered a tsunami with a height of 7.45 meters. A total of 462 people died, and 1,336 were injured. Estimated damage exceeded $17 billion.
Wildfires
From February 1 to 5, wildfires killed at least 137 people in Chile's Valparaнso region, with 200 more reported missing. The fires affected over 40,000 hectares and destroyed or damaged more than 14,000 homes. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called the disaster the worst in 14 years. Authorities attributed the fires to deliberate arson.
Abnormal Heat
In May, a record heatwave killed at least 27 people in Mexico, with the most casualties reported in San Luis Potosн. In Valles, temperatures exceeded 48°C (118°F). The extreme heat placed significant strain on the energy system, leading to widespread power outages.
Tornadoes
From May 19 to 27, approximately 240 tornadoes struck the central United States. The storms resulted in 21 deaths, including four children, across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Flooding
In September, Typhoon Yagi triggered severe flooding across Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. At least 844 people were killed (433 in Myanmar), with over 2,200 others injured.
Hurricane
From September 26-28, Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, killing at least 234 people across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The storm caused widespread flooding and significant destruction. U.S. authorities estimated the damage at $120 billion.
Tropical Cyclone
On December 7-8, Cyclone Chido moved from the southeastern Indian Ocean toward the African coast, hitting Mayotte first. From December 15-19, the cyclone moved through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Preliminary reports indicate at least 142 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries. Local media report "thousands" missing in Mayotte, and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed.
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