14. Sri Lanka
> Annual deaths due to natural disaster, 1960-2022: 38.5 per million
> Most common natural disaster: Flood (78 incidents since 1900)
> Deadliest disaster since 1900: December 2004 tsunami (35,399 deaths)
> Total population: 22.2 million
An earthquake under the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26, 2004 hit Sri Lanka with a massive tsunami, leading to more than 35,000 deaths. In the aftermath of the tsunami, infectious diseases spread, resulting in more deaths from cholera.
13. Iran
> Annual deaths due to natural disaster, 1960-2022: 41.1 per million
> Most common natural disaster: Earthquake (133 incidents since 1900)
> Deadliest disaster since 1900: June 1990 earthquake (40,000 deaths)
> Total population: 85.0 million
One of the world’s most devastating earthquakes was recorded in June 1990 in Northern Iran. One reason for the high death toll was because Iranians were in their homes watching the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
12. Guinea-Bissau
> Annual deaths due to natural disaster, 1960-2022: 44.8 per million
> Most common natural disaster: Epidemic (8 incidents since 1900)
> Deadliest disaster since 1900: October 1996 bacterial disease (961 deaths)
> Total population: 2.0 million
Sub-Saharan countries like Guinea-Bissau continually battle cholera outbreaks. Heavy rainfalls along with higher sea and air temperatures contribute to the conditions where cholera bacteria can thrive. One of the worst outbreaks occurred in October 1996, leading to the deaths of 961 people.
11. Guatemala
> Annual deaths due to natural disaster, 1960-2022: 47.1 per million
> Most common natural disaster: Flood (37 incidents since 1900)
> Deadliest disaster since 1900: October 1949 flood (40,000 deaths)
> Total population: 17.1 million
In October 1949, the Central American country withstood 72 hours of heavy rains. The resulting floods caused some 40,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest floods in history.
10. Nicaragua
> Annual deaths due to natural disaster, 1960-2022: 56.9 per million
> Most common natural disaster: Storm (25 incidents since 1900)
> Deadliest disaster since 1900: December 1972 earthquake (10,000 deaths)
> Total population: 6.7 million
In December 1972, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.6 struck the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. In addition to a high death toll, the resulting tsunami destroyed most of the country’s fishing fleet. In 1972, the capital city of Managua was hit by another devastating earthquake. While trying to bring aid to the country after that disaster, baseball star Roberto Clemente died when his plane went down in the sea.
