10The 1931 China Floods
The 1931 China floods, also known as the Central China Floods, are considered the deadliest natural disaster in recorded history. Triggered by a combination of melting snow, heavy rains, and overflowing rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, and Huai Rivers, this disaster devastated much of central China. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that between 1 million and 4 million people lost their lives. In addition to the immediate destruction, the floods caused widespread famine and disease, further increasing the death toll. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated river valleys to extreme weather conditions.
