7 Disastrous Climatic Catastrophes in India: Revisiting Nature's Fury

Super Cyclone, Odisha, 1999

Possibly the largest cyclonic calamity of the 20th century, the super storm slammed Odisha on October 29, 1999, with winds of up to 300 mph. Unofficial reports estimated that more than 50,000 people had died at that time, despite the official death toll of 9,885. In 1999, at least 13 million people were impacted.

Bhuj earthquake of 2001

A massive earthquake hit the Indian state of Gujarat on January 26, 2001 when the country was celebrating its annual republic day. The mammoth 7.7 magnitude earthquake took away life of more than 20,000 people and injured over 150,000, leaving several homeless and devastated.

The Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck the coasts of numerous South and Southeast Asian nations in December. One of the worst natural catastrophes, the tsunami claimed the lives of at least 225,000 people in twelve countries inclduing India.

Bihar Flood disaster, 2007

August 2007 saw the Bihar flood in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. The United Nations declared it to be the greatest flood Bihar has ever experienced. Thousand of people had gone missing after Kosi River breached its banks in neighbouring Nepal, causing death of more than 2000 people.

Kedarnath Tragedy, 2013

In June 2013, a midday cloudburst in the upper reaches of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand caused flash floods took over 6,000 lives and swept away several settlements, including the one around the Kedarnath shrine.

Jammu and Kashmir floods, 2014

Heavy and incessant rains for over a week in September 2014 caused massive floods in Jammu and Kashmir, submerging significant portions of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora and Srinagar districts. Around 550 people lost their lives and damage of properties was estimated between Rs. 5000 cr and 6000 cr.

Himachal Pradesh Floods, 2023

The incessant rain left a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh, leaving several bridges collapses, around 400 roads blocked and death toll crossing 150, and the estimated total loss amounting to ₹10,000 crore.