2018 in review: A recap of the worst natural disasters that shook the world this year

Floods in 'God's Own Country', Kerala (July 2018 – August 2018)

With damages to the tune of US$5.6 billion and over 483 dead, the flooding affected hundreds of villages, destroyed an estimated 10,000 km (6,200 mi) of roads and thousands of homes

Deadly dust storms in Western and Northern India (May 2, 2018)

With meteorologists calling it a freak accident, high winds and lightning generated by the storms destroyed houses and livestock, as well as uprooted trees and shut down electricity for many. The death toll crossed 125 with many casualties unaccounted for.

Flooding And Mudslides in Southwestern Japan (July 2018)

Claiming over 100 lives, the torrential downpours caused flooding and mudslides, which destroyed buildings, caked the land with mud, and left thousands stranded and displaced. Some residents remained trapped in their cars as they were caught off-guard by the fast pace of the mudslides

Earthquake in Papua, New Guinea (26 February 2018)

The devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Papua New Guinea, causing landslides, leveling homes and killing at least 160 people. The country's strongest earthquake on record also caused power outages, destroyed road links and created life-threatening communication problems

Hurricane Florence (31 August 2018 – 19 September 2018)

The murderous hurricane caused up to 40 inches of rain, completely flooding major areas of the Carolinas. Over 620,000 people lost power in North and South Carolina. The final death toll was recorded at 53

Super Typhoon Mangkhut (7 September 2018 – 17 September 2018)

The typhoon caused massive flooding and power loss throughout Guam and Marshall. Winds reached up to 107 mph and prompted emergency officials to evacuate more than three million people. Hundreds of houses went powerless, and extensive flooding plagued coastal areas with the final death toll at 81

California Wildfires (7 November, 2018 - 14 November, 2018)

Three separate wildfires broke out in early November 2018, among which, the death toll in the Camp Fire alone made it the deadliest fire in California history. In total, over 8,000 structures (including homes) and 230,000 acres were scorched by the fires. The death toll stands at 58 and counting

Mount Fuego (Active Volcano) Eruption (June 3, 2018)

The unexpected eruption affected over 2 million people. In the aftermath of the initial eruption, among ash-covered buildings, cars, and trees, the pyroclastic flow of the eruption claimed over 159 lives, injured 57, and left 256 people missing

Destructive Mudslides in Montecito, Southern California (Early January 2018)

The conflagrations devastated steep slopes, which caused de-vegetation and destabilization of the soil and greatly facilitated subsequent mudflows. The mudflows caused at least $177 million (2018 USD) in property damage and claimed 21 lives, critically injuring another 163