The year 2011 saw some of the major earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, tsunami, floods and seasonal storms of all times. The U.S. National Climatic Data Center declared 2011 to be the year with maximum number of natural disasters on record. As the year draws to an end, here's a look back at some of the most devastating natural calamities that shook the world in 2011.
A warning sign is seen on a public beach as Hurricane Irene approaches Long Island in East Hampton Village. Hurricane Irene, the ninth storm of annual Hurricane season, swept across the U.S. East Coast in late August and caused floods and extensive damage at places where it made a landfall.
ReutersBritain's Queen Elizabeth walks with Commons Speaker John Bercow, followed by Prince Philip and Lords speaker Frances D'Souza to a reception after the Queen's address to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster Hall in London March 20, 2012. ReutersNYC was apparently the target of a new terrorism threat Monday, as reports emerged that al Qaeda seems to have targeted New York in a foreboding online graphic.NYPD
