Beirut Explosion
On August 4th 2020 a vast mushroom cloud hung over the city of Beirut, created by a colossal explosion in the city’s port. With nearly 200 people dead, and over 6,000 injured, this has now been classified as one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history, caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a dock-side warehouse.
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
Hurricane Harvey had a catastrophic effect on Houston and its surrounds, displacing approximately 1 million people and causing an estimated $75 billion in damage. Rainfall reached 50 inches in some areas, and the storm unloaded 27 trillion gallons of water onto Houston and southeast Texas.
Storm Eva – UK floods
Between Storms Desmond, Eva and Frank, the month of December 2015 was Britain’s wettest in history. Additional records for peak river flow and heaviest single-day rainfall were also endured. The resultant flooding caused damages of an estimated £5 billion and subjected the weary residents of Northern England to dozens of flood warnings and road closures.