15 moments that shook the planet

HURRICANE SANDY (2012)

Initially forecasted as a Category 1 storm, this hurricane rapidly intensified into the largest on record at that time, wreaking havoc across the Caribbean before slamming into the eastern seaboard of the United States. Its devastating impact engulfed significant portions of New Jersey and New York, including the iconic city of New York, plunging them into chaos.

The aftermath was grim as people endured days without essential services such as power and heat. Many found themselves stranded in tall buildings, unable to evacuate or access necessary supplies. The toll on human life was significant, with over 100 casualties reported in the United States alone, with many succumbing to exposure or related conditions.

The catastrophe shattered the perceived sense of security among Americans, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most developed regions to the forces of nature. The unprecedented media frenzy surrounding the impact on New York City, a global media hub, underscored the magnitude of the event and its far-reaching implications.