6. The 1931 China Floods
The 1931 China floods remain the deadliest natural disaster ever recorded, claiming between 1 to 4 million lives. Caused by a combination of heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and the overflow of several major rivers, this catastrophe submerged vast areas of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Huai rivers. Entire cities were wiped out, and millions were left homeless.
The widespread famine and disease that followed contributed to the immense loss of life. The scale of destruction and the lasting impact on China’s population are unparalleled in history.