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| In 2008 Cyclone Nargis caused the worst natural disaster in Myanmar history killing 146,000 people with an estimated $10 billion in damages. Relief to the affected region was delayed due to a resistance from the Military Junta to receive aid. 7 days following the disaster, the junta officially declared their acceptance of international aid, which would be limited to food, medicines, supplies and financial aid, but would not allow additional foreign aid workers or military units to operate in the country. |
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| In early 2010 Haiti experienced one of the most catastrophic earthquakes, coming in at 7.0 in magnitude and affecting nearly 3 million people. 52 aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes of 4.5 or over. Six months after the quake 98% of rubble remained uncleared with 1.6 million people still lived in relief camps that didn't have electricity, running water, or proper sewage. By May 2010, enough aid had been raised to give each family displaced a check for $37,000. CNN returned in July of 2010 and reported, "It looks like the quake happened yesterday." |
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| When the Gujarat Earthquake hit on January 16, 2001, it was Indian Republic day. The quake lasted for about 2 minutes with a 7.7 magnitude. It killed 2,000 people, injured another 167,000 and destroyed nearly 400,000 homes. It wasn't long before relief started pouring in from all over the world and over time, left the affected region better equipped with basic facilities as well as some modern upgrades. |
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| The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake came in at a magnitude of 9.0, the largest Japan had ever experienced and the fifth most powerful earthquake in the world ever recorded. It triggered a tsunami that reached up to 133 feet in height. The World Bank's estimated economic cost was $235 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in world history. |
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| The 2005 Kashmir Earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6, similar to the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Tremendous international aid came from all over the world, at an estimated $5.4 billion. Five crossing points were opened up on the Line of Control between India and Pakistan in order to allow greater access to humanitarian and medical aid to the affected region. |
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| The 2003 European Heatwave was one of the hottest summers Europe had ever experienced. While Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland were all affected, France was especially hit hard with 14,802 heat-related deaths recorded. |
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| In 2004 an earthquake in the Indian Ocean resulted in the Boxing Day Tsunami, which occurred on December 26th. The earthquake was the third largest ever recorded at 9.1-9.3. It caused the planet to vibrate as much as 1 centimeter and triggered other earthquakes as far away as Alaska. The world was quick to respond, donating more than $14 billion in humanitarian aid, especially to Indonesia, the area most affected. |
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