The US National Weather Service says that 2011 is already the deadliest year for tornadoes since 1950, when precise figures were first kept.
The death toll so far this year stands at 520. The previous highest recorded death toll in a single year was 519 in 1953.
Bangladesh has had the world’s deadliest tornadoes, one killing 1,300+ (1989) another over 900. The combination of dense population and poor structures are given as causes for these mega-disasters.
Could the recent increase in tornado fatalities be a result of the Bengladeshing of America? Many people cannot afford to live in decent structures? So many people living in mobile homes and shacks?
Andy, it’s just luck and the housing boom.
The housing boom put more houses out there, and it’s just bad luck that tornadoes hit them.