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Natural disasters are terrifying reminders of nature’s overwhelming power, and for some towns, they are a recurring part of life. Whether it’s hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions, certain places seem perpetually caught in a cycle of devastation and recovery.
These towns have faced nature’s fury more often than most, shaping not only their infrastructure but the resilience and spirit of the people who call them home.
From the foot of volcanoes to storm-ravaged coasts, the following towns have become synonymous with survival.
San Salvador, El Salvador
San Salvador sits at the intersection of tectonic chaos, frequently rattled by powerful earthquakes that have leveled parts of the city several times in the past century. Nestled near the San Salvador Volcano and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the city faces constant seismic activity. In addition to earthquakes, it suffers from deadly landslides triggered by heavy rains and deforestation in the region. Volcanic eruptions, like the 1917 event, have caused lava flows and sulfur gas damage throughout the city. The relentless natural threats have made disaster preparedness an unfortunate way of life for its residents.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is infamous for its vulnerability to flooding, especially during the monsoon season when rivers overflow and inundate vast swaths of the city. The town is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, compounding the flooding issues and making it one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world. Earthquakes from nearby fault lines often shake the city, and tsunamis generated from offshore activity are a constant threat. Climate change has exacerbated all of these problems, increasing rainfall intensity and sea level rise. Jakarta’s government is even considering relocating the capital to escape this unending cycle of disaster.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Port-au-Prince lies in a region of severe tectonic stress, which culminated in the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that killed over 200,000 people. The city sits on the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault system, which has the potential to produce even stronger quakes in the future. In addition to seismic threats, the area is battered by hurricanes and tropical storms nearly every year.
Flooding, landslides, and cholera outbreaks often follow these storms, leaving devastation in their wake. Recovery is often slow due to limited infrastructure and chronic poverty, leaving the city exposed again and again.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is nestled in the Himalayan seismic zone, one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake claimed nearly 9,000 lives and caused widespread destruction to historical buildings and infrastructure. Landslides in the surrounding mountains are another hazard, particularly during the summer monsoon.
Poor urban planning and rapid development have only increased vulnerability across the valley. Despite its beauty and cultural richness, Kathmandu lives under the constant shadow of tectonic unrest.
New Orleans, United States
New Orleans is perhaps the most iconic example of a city shaped—and scarred—by natural disasters. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought catastrophic flooding after levees failed, killing over 1,800 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. Built below sea level and surrounded by water, the city is inherently vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surges, and rising sea levels. It also sits near seismic zones that could one day add earthquakes to its list of woes. Despite billions spent on levee improvements, many experts warn the next big storm could still overwhelm the city.
Bam, Iran
Bam has suffered devastating earthquakes throughout history, most recently in 2003 when a 6.6 magnitude quake killed over 26,000 people. The town lies near the southern Iranian fault lines, a volatile zone that makes strong seismic events likely. Historic mud-brick architecture, while beautiful, is particularly vulnerable to collapse during quakes. Recovery has been a long, painful process, especially given the town’s historical significance and the challenges of rebuilding ancient structures. Earthquakes remain an ever-present fear for the people of Bam.
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
Goma is constantly threatened by volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Nyiragongo, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The 2002 eruption sent lava pouring through the town, destroying homes and displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. Earthquakes often accompany volcanic activity, compounding the town’s vulnerability. Toxic gases like carbon dioxide have also suffocated people in surrounding villages, a deadly phenomenon known as a limnic eruption. Living in Goma requires a constant state of readiness and resilience as nature’s threats linger nearby.
Manila, Philippines
Manila faces nearly every type of natural disaster imaginable: typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and even tsunamis. Typhoons are a regular occurrence, with the city battered by multiple major storms each year, often resulting in deadly flooding. The West Valley Fault poses a serious seismic threat, capable of generating a powerful earthquake that could devastate the metropolis. Nearby volcanoes such as Taal and Mayon have erupted with little warning, spreading ash and lava across the region. Despite its economic importance, Manila remains one of the most disaster-prone urban centers in Asia.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala City lies in an extremely active seismic zone, regularly shaken by earthquakes from multiple nearby fault lines. Volcanic eruptions are also a persistent threat, particularly from the nearby Pacaya and Fuego volcanoes. In 2018, Fuego erupted catastrophically, killing over 190 people and covering surrounding towns in volcanic ash and debris. Seasonal rains bring additional dangers in the form of flash floods and deadly landslides, particularly in overcrowded neighborhoods built on unstable terrain. For many residents, disaster drills are just another part of daily life.
Kobe, Japan
Kobe was the site of the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, which left over 6,000 people dead and the city in ruins. Located near multiple fault lines, Kobe remains at high risk for future earthquakes. The area is also prone to typhoons, which regularly bring flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Japan’s meticulous disaster planning and early-warning systems help reduce the toll, but nature’s power is never far away. Even with world-class preparation, Kobe continues to rebuild from one disaster while bracing for the next.
Always Be Ready for Disaster & You’ll Always Be Safe
These towns have faced nature’s wrath more times than most places on Earth, enduring loss, rebuilding from rubble, and constantly adapting to a future that may bring more of the same. Their histories are etched with the scars of earthquakes, floods, eruptions, and storms, yet they remain standing—testaments to human endurance in the face of overwhelming odds. What unites them is not just the disasters they’ve faced, but the strength of the people who live there and rebuild again and again.
As climate change and urban growth continue, these places serve as both a warning and an inspiration for other cities around the globe.
Have thoughts on towns that should’ve made the list? Include your stories and thoughts and join the conversation.
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