New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) The year 2025 was characterized by a series of catastrophic events, as cyclones, floods, wildfires, and aviation disasters left a significant mark on the globe. From devastating wildfires in the United States to powerful earthquakes in Asia, millions were affected worldwide.

The year commenced with one of the most catastrophic wildfire events in California. Large areas of Los Angeles were ravaged by wildfires, leading to the evacuation of thousands. The Palisades Fire near Topanga Canyon ignited on January 7, reducing everything to ashes, including countless aspirations. The blaze quickly engulfed neighboring communities, consuming over 14,000 acres and obliterating numerous homes and properties, forcing mass evacuations. Tragically, the wildfires claimed the lives of 19 individuals, while nine firefighters sustained injuries, as reported by California Fire. In total, 1,074 structures were damaged, and 9,414 structures were completely destroyed.

January also saw a deadly impact from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi in Madagascar, where severe weather led to the deaths of three people and affected nearly 1,000 others. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management confirmed that Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in the Vohemar district of Madagascar.

February brought torrential rains to Botswana, resulting in severe flooding that claimed the lives of nine individuals and displaced over 5,000 people, including children.

A powerful earthquake registering 7.7 on the Richter scale struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, leading to the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives. The quake caused significant destruction, damaging approximately 52,000 homes and impacting the education of thousands of children by damaging over 2,600 schools. A total of 789 hospitals were also affected, severely limiting access to healthcare, as per the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

In response to the disaster, India initiated Operation Brahma to support those affected in Myanmar. The Indian Army dispatched a specialized medical team for urgent humanitarian assistance and sent essential supplies, including tents, blankets, food packets, hygiene kits, and medicines.

The onset of heavy monsoon rains in June led to flash floods across Pakistan. The rains raised the water levels of major rivers, including the Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, causing the Punjab province to experience its worst flooding in 40 years. Over 1,000 lives were lost, including 275 children. More than 229,700 houses, 790 bridges, and 2,811 kilometers of roads were destroyed or damaged, along with 2.2 million hectares of farmland and the loss of over 22,800 livestock.

A tragic aviation accident occurred on July 21 when a fighter jet from the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the Milestone School and College building in Dhaka, resulting in the deaths of over 30 individuals, primarily children.

In August, two devastating earthquakes struck Afghanistan, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. A 6.06.21,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food supplies to Kunar.

Late November saw Cyclone Ditwah unleash severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, causing ongoing repercussions. By December 12, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in Sri Lanka reported 639 fatalities and over 200 missing individuals. Thousands of homes were damaged and many were displaced.

In light of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, including tents, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, and medical supplies.