Deadly Disasters
The January volcanic eruption near the island of Tonga is now being called the most powerful such event in 140 years. Authorities are still taking stock of the damage, both from massive ash plumes and a tsunami triggered by the blast. To be sure, volcanic eruptions can cause disaster on a shocking scale, as anyone who can remember the infamous 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens can attest. Here are some of the eruptions throughout history that have left the biggest scars.
Related: The Deadliest Hurricanes and Other Natural Disasters in the U.S.