For thousands of families across the country and around the world, 2025 has been a long and exhausting year. Natural disasters and conflicts have changed lives and communities, forcing many to rebuild in the face of overwhelming loss.
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine continued, displacing millions of people and deepening humanitarian crises. Extreme weather events – floods, storms, heat waves and wildfires – have hit both regions long accustomed to disasters and those caught unprepared, underscoring the escalating impacts of climate change.
Meanwhile, the global migration crisis worsened as thousands continued to make dangerous journeys across borders and seas in search of safety and hope.
Wildfires ravage the suburbs of Los Angeles
In the United States on January 7, 2025, two flames—the Palisade Fire and the Eaton Fire—ignited the suburbs of Los Angeles.
They destroyed nearly 16,250 structures and affected 41,000 people, making them the second and third most destructive wildfires in California history.
29 lives were lost and thousands were displaced.
War tensions are rising: Bombed Kyiv, the trip to Washington ends in a clash
As Russian missiles hit Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington to seek the support of US President Donald Trump – an effort that culminated in a public confrontation.
Air India plane crash kills 260
Tragedy struck India when an Air India plane crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, with the sole survivor walking away from the wreckage on 12 June.
Air conflict between Israel and Iran breaks out
In the Middle East, Israel launched an air war against Iran in June, with the clash between the regional rivals lasting 12 days.
The crisis in Gaza is worsening as the war continues
The war between Israel and Hamas raged in Gaza. The Global Famine Monitor has declared famine in parts of the enclave, and the United Nations has condemned the rapidly deepening humanitarian disaster.
Hurricane Melissa ravages the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in the Caribbean, left devastation in Jamaica in November.
India has faced its share of climate-related disasters, with more than four cyclones forming in the Bay of Bengal in October and November. Cyclone Montha was the most destructive, causing almost ₹53 billion in damage, with Andhra Pradesh suffering the worst impact.
(With inputs from Reuters)
