Natural disasters are a common occurrence in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash
Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash
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Over the years, these states have experienced their fair share of destructive events that have caused significant damage to property and loss of life.

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The following are 5 of the BIGGEST natural disasters that have ever occurred in these SOUTHWESTERN states.


1. GALVESTON HURRICANE, TEXAS

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
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In 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States happened in Galveston, Texas.

A hurricane struck the city, resulting in an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 fatalities and causing $30 million in damages.

The primary cause of death and destruction was a storm surge, with water levels reaching 15 feet in some areas. Due to the extensive devastation, the entire city had to be reconstructed.


2. THE 2011 DROUGHT, TEXAS

Photo by Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash
Photo by Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash
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The 2011 Texas Drought was part of a larger drought trend throughout the southern United States that year, and is considered one of the worst in the state's history.

It persisted from October 2010 to September 2011 and led to billions of dollars in damage.

The drought affected agriculture, water resources, and wildlife, causing crop failures, wildfires, and water shortages. Additionally, there was an increase in deaths caused by heat-related illnesses.


3. HORSESHOE 2 FIRE, ARIZONA

Photo by Marcus Kauffman on Unsplash
Photo by Marcus Kauffman on Unsplash
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The Horseshoe 2 Fire started in May 2011 and consumed over 223,000 acres of land, lasting for over a month.

The fire destroyed several homes and other structures, causing millions of dollars in damage. The fire's cause was attributed to a lightning strike, and it was one of the largest fires in Arizona's history.


4. THE 2011 WILDFIRES, NEW MEXICO

Photo by Ross Stone on Unsplash
Photo by Ross Stone on Unsplash
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In 2011, New Mexico was hit by a series of wildfires caused by a combination of lightning strikes and human activity.

The fires burned over 240,000 acres of land, destroyed dozens of homes and other structures, and caused millions of dollars in damage.

The Las Conchas Fire was the largest of these fires, lasting for over a month and becoming the state's largest wildfire.


5. 1887 SONORA EARTHQUAKE, ARIZONA

Photo by Sarah Crego on Unsplash
Photo by Sarah Crego on Unsplash
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The 1887 Sonora Earthquake occurred on May 3, 1887, and had a magnitude of 7.4.

The quake affected the northern part of Mexico and parts of Arizona and New Mexico, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the town of Nogales, Arizona.

Although the exact number of fatalities is unknown, the death toll is estimated to be around 100.

Let me know what you think about this list or if I missed any natural disaster you thought were also important at nico@klaq.com

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