Puerto Rico has this week raised the official death toll from Hurricane Maria to nearly 3,000 following a study ordered by the governor of the US territory.
The report found an estimated 2,975 deaths could be attributed directly or indirectly to Maria, the most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean island in almost a century, from the time it struck in September 2017 to mid-February this year.
A satellite image of Hurricane Mitch at peak intensity, taken on 26th October, 1998. PICTURE: NASA, NOAA
Following is a list of the world’s five most deadly hurricanes. Hurricanes form over the Atlantic and North Pacific oceans and cause most damage to the Americas while typhoons form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, impacting Asia.
The number of fatalities varies between sources.
1. The Great Hurricane, Caribbean, 1780 – Death toll 20,000
The deadliest hurricane on record cost the lives of about 20,000 people, with most of the damage and fatalities occurring in Barbados and surrounding islands. Predating modern meteorological technology, the formation point and exact wind strengths of the hurricane are unknown.
2. Hurricane Mitch, Central America, 1998 – Death toll 19,000
Hurricane Mitch reportedly killed about 19,000 people. Classified as a Category 5 – the highest ranking on the Saffir-Simpson scale – the greatest number of fatalities was in Honduras where severe rainfall led to mud slides and flooding.
3. Galveston Hurricane, Texas, 1900 – Death toll between 6,000 to 12,000
The Galveston Hurricane caused the greatest number of deaths on the US mainland. Ranked as a Category 4, the disaster ruined the town’s commercial industry and its status as a major port whilst claiming the lives of up to 12,000 inhabitants.
4. Hurricane Fifi, Honduras, 1974 – Death toll 8,000 to 10,000
Hurricane Fifi is the lowest measured hurricane included on this list but it proved to be deadly and destructive for the island of Honduras. The name Fifi was removed from the rotating list of hurricane names due to high number of fatalities.
5. Dominican Republic Hurricane, Caribbean, 1930 – Death toll 2,000 to 8,000
Characterised by strong winds and heavy rainfall, the hurricane of 1930 caused severe damage to the Dominican Republic. The island struggled to provide effective and quick relief to its citizens and for its infrastructure.
Sources; National Ocean Service, World Heritage Encyclopaedia, National Hurricane Center
