8 Most Devastating Natural Disasters Ever Captured on Camera

Hurricane Katrina

While we might imagine that civilization is impervious to the elements, it’s a sobering fact that nature can wipe cities from the face of the Earth in minutes. Natural disasters usually strike without warning and have devastating consequences. Loss of life and property can be enormous, and the psychological effects can be immeasurable. Nothing can be as terrifying as being in the grip of nature, and we can ultimately do nothing to inhibit its effects. Here are 7 of the most devastating natural disasters in history.

Image: cultural-china.com

1) 1906 San Francisco earthquake

Striking the Californian coast at 5am on April 18, 1906, the San Francisco earthquake shook the ground from Oregon to LA and is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in US history. The earthquake itself was followed by widespread fires, caused by burst gas mains, which devastated the city. Ultimately, 3,000 people died.