6,956, that is the number of deaths caused by the earthquake in Morocco, the flood in Libya, and the fire in Maui. Thousands more were injured and many are still missing. In each case, the destruction was shocking and devastating, almost incomprehensible.
At 11:11 p.m. on Sept. 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco approximately 46 miles from the major city of Marrakesh. The earthquake killed more than 2,800 people (CNN) and injured at least 5,500 and some remain missing. The earthquake collapsed cultural landmarks and the adobe huts characteristic of this location. Remote villages have been the hardest hit as access to them is cut off and many feel that the government is not providing ample support. Many in these villages have been left without homes and have taken to camping on the side of the road outside larger cities where they are more likely to get support. According to Business Insider Africa, 2.8 million people (about 7% of the population) have been affected by this disaster.
Massive disaster also struck Libya in September. Storm Daniel had already caused death and destruction in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey when it made landfall in Libya on Sept. 10. The storm poured rain on to already damaged dams, causing two to burst and send water rushing into the city of Derna. Buildings and people were swept into the ocean where they are still being found. 15,000 people are dead or missing from the city of 100,000. Both climate change and poorly maintained infrastructure contributed to the catastrophic damage.
Most widely reported in the United States was the devastating wildfire in Maui. Dry conditions and high winds from Hurricane Dora fueled the fire. The fire started Aug. 8 quickly grew and prompted evacuations. Due to the speed of the growing flames, many people ended up trapped. Close to 100 people have been reported dead, with 800 more still missing. Buildings and houses were destroyed, while people ran into the ocean trying to escape the blaze. Shelters were overwhelmed and the apocalyptic scene was made even more desolate as high winds knocked power out. The fire was finally contained on Aug.11 and the extreme devastation began to set in. In addition to the lives lost, 2,207 buildings were destroyed, according to reports in CNN, including iconic historic buildings. People are now returning to Maui and clean-up attempts are slated to begin as officials attempt to balance removing toxic waste and preserving the historic area. Maui has a long way to go to heal from fire, but efforts have begun.
Across the world, devastating natural disasters are striking with even more frequency, leaving ruin in their wake. With shocking death tolls, these disasters will continue to dominate the headlines as the earthquake in Morocco, the flood in Libya, and fire in Maui have proven.
