Looking Back at the World's Deadliest Tornado Events

The U.S. records an average of 1,200 tornadoes each year. In addition, roughly 75% of the planet's EF4 and EF5 tornadoes happen within the Lower 48. While the U.S. leads the world in tornadic activity, some of the deadliest twisters have spun up oceans away. Here is a look at some of the most devastating tornadoes to hit other areas of the world throughout history

Bangladesh: Daulatpur–Saturia Tornado│ April 26, 1989

A monster EF3 twister hit the central portion of Bangladesh in the spring of 1989, killing about 1,300 people. The twister churned over a densely populated region, flattening several villages and displacing tens of thousands of residents. Only about six tornadoes are reported each year across the Ganges Basin, home to Bangladesh.

The majority of the tornadic activity in this part of the world happens during the pre-monsoon season in March, April, and May. This is the time of the year when heat and rising humidity levels pair with increased wind shear to support the development of storms capable of generating tornadoes. The activity tends to taper off once the monsoon season settles in, as there is no cool and dry air aloft to create the necessary spin for tornadoes to form.