While the debate about climate change continues, the effects are being felt around the world.  Climate and weather disasters have hit every continent so far in 2017.  From hurricanes to landslides, many of these events have been the most dramatic we have ever seen. Mother nature definitely did not go easy on us this year.

 Hurricane Maria in the Dominican Republic 

On September 24, 2017, a category five hurricane hit the Republic. The powerful storm took 27 people’s lives and left huge amounts of water logged in the city, destroying homes and fields with crops.

Earthquake in Mexico

On September 20, 2017, the earthquake came and rocked Mexico with a magnitude of 7.1. The final death toll ranked up to more than 200 people, with even more injured or missing.

Monsoon Flooding in Bangladesh

Flooding during monsoons occurred throughout summer and affected over 40 million people. The death toll was high and killed a total of 1,200 people; the flooding caused long-lasting damage and is still effecting the people in Bangladesh.

The Mudslides in Colombia

The dramatic mudslides in Colombia, Mocoa, killed around 250 people, with many more people missing and injured. After several weeks with no relief, the damage is still being fixed and the vegetation on the hills is totaled.

Hurricane Irma in the USA and Caribbean

On September 20, 2017, the category five hurricane swept through Southern America, flooding Texas and stranding thousands of civilians. Hurricane Irma was the strongest Atlantic storm in a decade. “I spent two hours in my bedroom closet while literally it just sounded like the world is coming to an end all around you,” said Susan Evans, a storm survivor.

Flooding and Landslides in Sierra Leone

On August 14, 2017, a huge storm hit the capital of Sierra Leone. The water damaged the land so much that after all the water had cleared, the storms were followed by landslides. People were stranded without shelter or any personal belongings. The disaster killed nearly 200 people.

Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey took place on August 17, 2017 and was the costliest storm known to date, with close to 200 billion dollars in damage. The storm lasted four days, flooding and destroying homes, leaving thousands of people without shelter. 17,000 rescue missions were made and 13,000 victims were evacuated.

Sources; usnews.com, thepointsguy.com.