Contemporary
2011 Christchurch Earthquake: NZ's Deadliest Since 1931
185 people were killed, most in two collapsed office buildings; much of the central city was demolished and rebuilt over the following decade.
Region
Oceania
Contemporary
Black Summer Bushfires (2019-2020): Australia's Fire Catastrophe
About 24 million hectares burned, 33 people died directly and more than 3,000 homes were destroyed; a royal commission made 80 recommendations on disaster arrangements.
Contemporary
Hunga Tonga Eruption (2022): The Biggest Blast in a Century
The largest volcanic explosion recorded with modern instruments; tsunamis killed at least four people in Tonga and two in Peru, and Tonga was cut off from the internet for weeks.
Contemporary
2023 Maui Wildfires: The Destruction of Historic Lahaina, Hawaii
The fire killed 102 people and destroyed about 2,200 structures, most of Lahaina; it was the deadliest US wildfire since 1918.