Hurricane Erick: 5 Most Deadly Hurricanes That Happened in the Past 5 Years

Hurricane Erick made headlines after crashing into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast as a formidable Category 3 hurricane. The storm made landfall near Puerto Escondido around 5:30 a.m. local time on Friday, June 20, 2025, packing destructive winds and torrential rains. Although Erick weakened into a tropical storm as it moved inland by the afternoon, slowing to sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph), it left behind widespread damage.

In the coastal towns of Oaxaca, streets were flooded, boats sank, and buildings were battered. Power outages affected more than 123,000 residents, though restoration efforts had begun by midday. Two hospitals also sustained damage, and road networks across the state were seriously compromised.

Authorities warned that the risk was far from over. Heavy rains triggered fears of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions. Waves as high as 10 meters (33 feet) were also reported, prompting coastal evacuation alerts.

Despite the extent of the destruction, no fatalities had been officially reported as of the latest updates. This is a rare outcome in a region so prone to deadly hurricanes. Erick also made history as the earliest major hurricane ever to make landfall in the eastern Pacific.

The 5 Most Deadly Hurricanes in the Last 5 Years

While Hurricane Erick’s early arrival and strength were alarming, the world has witnessed even deadlier storms in recent years. Here are five hurricanes from the past five years that left a devastating mark:

  1. Hurricane Ian (2022): United States, Cuba

Hurricane Ian was one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, Ian caused catastrophic storm surges, extensive flooding, and wind damage. At least 150 lives were lost, and damages exceeded $112 billion. In Cuba, millions were left without power, and widespread destruction was reported in the western provinces.

  1. Hurricane Dorian (2019): Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian stalled over the Bahamas as a terrifying Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph). It was the strongest storm to ever hit the islands. The official death toll reached 74, but hundreds were reported missing, and the total economic loss was estimated at $3.4 billion. Entire communities like Marsh Harbour were flattened beyond recognition.

  1. Hurricane Laura (2020): United States

Striking Louisiana as a strong Category 4 hurricane, Laura resulted in 77 confirmed deaths across the U.S. and Haiti. With winds reaching 150 mph (240 kph), Laura triggered massive evacuations and left a trail of ruined homes and businesses. Damages topped $19 billion, with power grids crippled for weeks.

  1. Hurricane Ida (2021): United States

Ida slammed into Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane before moving up the U.S. East Coast, causing deadly floods in New York and New Jersey. Over 90 people died across multiple states. The storm paralyzed oil production in the Gulf of Mexico and left millions without electricity. Ida’s financial impact was estimated at over $75 billion.

  1. Hurricane Iota (2020): Central America

Only weeks after Hurricane Eta devastated the region, Iota made landfall in Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane. It caused severe flooding and landslides across Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala, killing more than 60 people and displacing thousands. The back-to-back hurricanes compounded the humanitarian crisis in the region.

While Hurricane Erick has so far spared Mexico from tragic loss of life, its arrival underscores the region’s vulnerability to powerful storms. The past five years have shown that hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive, leaving long-lasting scars on the communities in their path. As the 2025 hurricane season continues, authorities and residents remain on high alert, mindful of nature’s unpredictable force.


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