Deadly Disasters Caught on Camera: Top 10 Home Videos

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, according to the FAO. This means they cause more damage, especially in less developed countries. With the rise of security cameras, dash cams, and smartphones, we’re now seeing these events firsthand. Here are 10 home videos that captured deadly natural disasters.

Earthquake—Luzon, The Philippines

The Philippines faces frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons. This video shows a group in Luzon enjoying a pool when a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits. They struggle to evacuate as the ground shakes violently. While only a small quake compared to others, the pool’s waves show the ground’s intense movement. Sadly, eighteen people died in this event, but those in the video were unharmed.

Volcano—Whakaari, New Zealand

Whakaari, or White Island, was a popular tourist spot despite being New Zealand’s most active volcano. In December 2019, it erupted. Weeks before, increased activity was recorded, but tours continued. The video captures a tour boat returning to the island post-eruption to help survivors. Twenty-two people died, and many suffered severe burns from the superheated gas.

Tsunami—Indonesia

Indonesia is geographically unlucky, with over 17,500 islands and 120 active volcanoes. In late 2018, they experienced a series of disasters. A 7.5 magnitude earthquake caused an underwater landslide, triggering a tsunami that hit Palu. Soil liquefaction swallowed buildings. Just two months later, the Anak Krakatau volcano erupted, causing another tsunami. The video shows the band Seventeen performing when the wave struck, killing all bandmates and the singer’s wife.

Flood—Henan, China

In July 2021, Henan Province, China, received a year’s worth of rain in three days. Zhengzhou was submerged. The video shows passengers trapped in a subway car as water rises rapidly. Fourteen people died in the subway, and many more across the province. Fortunately, the people in the video evacuated safely.

Wildfire—Manavgat, Turkey

Wildfires have increased globally. This video from Turkey shows restaurant workers returning from delivering food to firefighters in Manavgat. They are surrounded by a hellish landscape of blazing forest and are forced to turn back. They escaped unharmed, but at least eight people died, and hundreds were injured across the country.

Hurricane—Florida, USA

Hurricane Michael struck Florida in October 2018. It was a category 5 storm, causing $25 billion in damages and 16 deaths. The video documents the damage caused to a neighborhood. It shows the area being shredded by 150 mph winds, reducing streets to piles of debris.

Landslide—Kachin, Myanmar

This video was recorded at an illegal jade mine in Kachin, Myanmar. Due to heavy rainfall, a landslide sent mud and rock down the valley like a tsunami. The disaster was responsible for the deaths of more than 162 people.

Sinkhole—Florida, USA

Sinkholes can swallow people without warning. Jeffrey Bush, a 36-year-old Florida man, was swallowed by a sinkhole that opened beneath his bedroom. Rescue workers tried to communicate with him but couldn’t recover his body. The area was filled in, but the sinkhole reopened two years later.

Avalanche—Mount Everest base camp, Nepal

The Everest avalanche of 2015 was caused by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal. The video shows the earthquake shaking Kathmandu. At Mount Everest base camp, the shockwaves triggered an avalanche that buried the campsite. At least 20 people died, and hundreds were injured. The video captures the icy blast and how lucky the cameraman was to survive.

Tornado—Illinois, USA

This terrifying video shows a tornado filmed by 84-year-old Clem Schultz in Illinois. He and his wife thought the tornado would pass by, but it smashed into their home. The video ends as everything turns black. Clem survived, but his wife was killed. The massive tornado destroyed 24 homes.

These home videos offer a chilling glimpse into the power and unpredictability of natural disasters. They also highlight the importance of preparedness and awareness. From earthquakes and tsunamis to floods and tornadoes, these events remind us of nature’s overwhelming force.

Share your thoughts on these incredible recordings in the comments below!