From Cloudbursts to Earthquakes: How Natural Disasters Have Altered Famous Travel Destinations

From Cloudbursts to Earthquakes: How Natural Disasters Have Altered Famous Travel Destinations

Tourism is often built on the beauty and stability of a destination. But nature can change the story overnight. From sudden cloudbursts to powerful earthquakes, some of the world’s most loved travel spots have been devastated by forces beyond human control.

1. Kedarnath, India – 2013 Cloudburst and Floods
In June 2013, a massive cloudburst and glacial lake outburst triggered deadly floods and landslides in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath town was almost wiped out, with severe damage to roads, homes, and pilgrimage infrastructure.

2. Bhuj, India – 2001 Earthquake
The Gujarat earthquake of 2001 left the city of Bhuj in ruins, killing thousands and destroying centuries-old buildings, including temples and forts. Recovery has taken years, with tourism still affected.

3. Nepal – 2015 Earthquake
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake flattened villages, killed nearly 9,000 people, and damaged Kathmandu’s UNESCO heritage sites like Durbar Square. Trekking routes in the Himalayas were also disrupted for months.

4. Leh, India – 2010 Cloudburst
A sudden cloudburst caused flash floods and mudslides in Leh, killing hundreds and destroying homes. The disaster damaged tourism facilities, though the region has since worked hard to recover.

5. Christchurch, New Zealand – 2011 Earthquake
The city’s historic centre was badly damaged, with many heritage buildings demolished. Even a decade later, parts of Christchurch are still in reconstruction.

6. Gorkha Region, Nepal – Repeated Quakes
Beyond the 2015 quake, smaller tremors have continued to impact rural tourism. Remote lodges, trekking paths, and cultural heritage sites have faced repeated reconstruction challenges.

7. Srinagar, India – 2014 Floods
Unprecedented rainfall caused the Jhelum River to overflow, submerging large parts of Srinagar. The floods damaged houseboats, markets, and tourist accommodation.

Lombok, Indonesia (Image: Canva)

8. Lombok, Indonesia – 2018 Earthquake
A quake struck Lombok, flattening villages and damaging resorts. At least 80% of the structures in North Lombok were damaged or destroyed. The tourism-dependent economy took months to bounce back.

9. Joshimath, India – 2023 Land Subsidence
Cracks in roads and homes led to evacuations in this Himalayan town, a base for many treks. The town, built on an ancient landslide, suffered from cracks in buildings, roads, and infrastructure, with an estimated 65% of houses affected. Tourism dropped sharply as safety fears rose.

10. Santorini, Greece – Historical Volcanic Eruption
Although centuries old, the volcanic eruption that shaped Santorini serves as a reminder of how natural forces can reshape landscapes entirely.

From the mountains of Uttarakhand to island paradises in Indonesia, natural disasters leave scars that go far beyond the immediate damage. For travellers, it’s a reminder of the fragility of these destinations and for locals, a long road to recovery.