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Natural Disasters That Occurred in 2005

According to the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group, the number of natural disasters has increased greatly in the past few decades, from fewer than 100 in 1975 to more than 400 in 2005. The tally in 2005 was particularly severe, both in terms of human fatalities and economic damage. The worst disasters were largely a result of hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.

Kashmir Earthquake
- The Kashmir earthquake of 2005 was by far the most devastating natural disaster that year in terms of loss of life. According to figures published by the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake resulted in 73,338 fatalities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and 1,309 in Indian-administered Kashmir. Almost all of the buildings collapsed in areas close to the epicenter. Most were built from unreinforced stone, concrete blocks and brick masonry.
Hurricane Stan
- Hurricane Stan was a Category 1 hurricane that hit parts of Mexico and Central America in October 2005. The hurricane was part of a much larger weather system and caused extensive flooding and mudslides that resulted in more than 1,500 fatalities.
Hurricane Katrina
- Hurricane Katrina hit the Bahamas, Cuba and the United States in August 2005, causing extensive damage to many areas, particularly Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana. In terms of property damage, Katrina was the most costly natural disaster in the history of the United States. According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Service website, total losses were estimated in excess of $100 billion. Katrina was also one of the five most deadly disasters in U.S. history, causing at least 1,800 fatalities.
Maharashtra Floods
- On July 26, 2005, heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Many people were stranded in the rising water, particularly in the cities of Mumbai and Thane. More than 1,000 lives were lost, with extensive damage to both rural and urban areas.
Sumatra Earthquake
- The Indonesian island of Sumatra was struck by an earthquake in March 2005. The 8.6 magnitude earthquake was felt most strongly on the nearby island of Nias, where at least 1,000 people were killed and 300 injured.
China Floods
- In June 2005, torrential rains caused extensive flooding in many parts of China, particularly in the south. According to a report by the BBC News website, about 2.45 million people had to be evacuated from their homes. At least 567 people were killed, and the economic cost was estimated to be in the region of $2.77 billion.

Nature