Camp Fire Was The Costliest Natural Disaster In the World in 2018

We ended 2018 with one of the world's costliest natural disasters in the history of the United States of America. The Camp Wildfires. Deadliest in the history of California with 86 fatalities and the complete destruction of a town named, "Paradise." Upon combustion the fire burned a total of 20,000 acres in the first 14 hours! Toppling a staggering number of 16.5 billion dollars in damages, this fire takes first place for the costliest wildfire, even above other natural disasters like hurricanes, typhoons and floods.

A recent study conducted by Munich Re a reinsurance firm conducted a report that collected all the data.

To get some idea of what other disasters cost, I am going to give you some examples. Hurricane Michael that toppled over Cuba and the coast of Florida came in second with over 16 billion dollars in damages. Just 500 million shy for a tie for first. Third was Hurricane Florence that also made its way through the Carolina's destroying everything in its path and creating a grand total of 14 billion dollars.

Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison are two utility companies that are under the microscope following the wildfires. A group of northern California wildfire attorneys got together to attack the companies with lawsuits and claims defending those who have been effected by the devastating fire. According to an official update release by CAL FIRE the fires burned more than 240,300 acres of land and destroyed around 12,872 homes and building's in such a short time. It is still very tough to say who exactly was at fault for these fires.

Its crazy to think that a fire of this magnitude can cause more devastation and cost than an earthquake a tsunami or tornado. The total cost of global catastrophes in 2018 was a total of 160 billion dollars, which is down below the last years number of 360 billion dollars. The deadliest catastrophe was due to a deadly duo in Indonesia. On September 28, 2017 over 2,102 people were killed when an earthquake and tsunami hit the coast. For people living in these areas, always remember to remain safe and prepared for disasters. With climate change in the midst of our civilization, its difficult to tell if the pattern will change in the future years.