10 of the Most Destructive Hurricanes

Here is a list of 10 of the most destructive hurricanes in history, based on their impact, damage, and loss of life:

1. Hurricane Katrina (2005): One of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the United States, Katrina caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. More than 1,800 people died, and the damage exceeded $125 billion.
2. Hurricane Harvey (2017): Harvey brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding to Houston, Texas. The storm caused over 100 deaths and about $125 billion in damages.
3. Hurricane Maria (2017): Striking Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane, Maria caused widespread devastation. The official death toll exceeded 2,900, and the island suffered extensive infrastructure damage.
4. Hurricane Irma (2017): Irma was a powerful Category 5 hurricane that affected several Caribbean islands before landfall in Florida. It caused at least 134 deaths and over $77 billion in damages.
5. Galveston Hurricane of 1900: This hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 8,000 people. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
6. Hurricane Andrew (1992): Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane that devastated parts of South Florida. It caused 65 deaths and approximately $27 billion in damages.
7. Hurricane Sandy (2012): Sandy’s massive size and strong winds impacted the Caribbean, East Coast, and Mid-Atlantic. It led to 233 deaths and around $70 billion in damages.
8. Great Hurricane of 1780: This powerful hurricane struck the Caribbean, causing massive destruction and an estimated death toll of 20,000 to 22,000 people, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in history.
9. Hurricane Mitch (1998): Mitch brought catastrophic flooding and landslides to Central America, resulting in around 11,000 deaths and significant infrastructure damage.
10. Hurricane Ike (2008): Ike landed in Texas, causing extensive storm surge and damage. It led to about 195 deaths and over $30 billion in damages.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and other destructive hurricanes have existed throughout history. The impact of these hurricanes is measured by factors such as loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption.