America's most expensive natural disasters

The aftermath of Typhoon Morakot has been devastating. Since the storm hit on August 2, 107 people have been killed in Taiwan with another 9,000 missing, including the village of Hsiao-Lin that was buried under a mudslide. 23 people have died in the Philippines and six in China.

Damages have totalled $1.4 billion in China with the storm causing $209 million worth of damage to Taiwan's agriculture image.

In a bid to remind ourselves never to take Mother Nature for granted, we look at America's most expensive natural disasters and the devastation caused to the countries infrastructure. Figures have been adjusted to 2009 costs.

1. Hurricane Katrina (2005) - The worst natural disaster to befall the United States. After hitting the city of New Orleans, the storm breached the protective levees causing over US $90.9 billion worth of damage not to mention the death toll of 1,836.

2. Hurricane Andrew (1992) - Devastating South Florida and Louisiana, Hurricane Andrew was the most devastating hurricane in terms of property damage, until Katrina hit 13 years later, causing US $38.1 billion.

3 . Hurricane Wilma (2005) - Devastating South, Central and parts of Florida, Wilma hit Miami hardest, causing $32.9 billion in damages.

4. Northridge Earthquake (1995) - The 6.7 magnitude earth quake caused massive damage throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Destruction such as the collapse of the Golden State Freeway amounted to over $20 billion.

5. Hurricane Ivan (2004) - Hitting Texas, Florida and Louisiana, this category 5 hurricane was the most powerful of 2004's hurricane season causing $19 billion worth of damage.

6. Hurricane Charley (2004) - This category 4 hurricane hit the Orlando area of Florida destroying $18.9 billion worth of property.

7. Hurricane Frances - Coming three weeks after Hurricane Charley, Frances hampered clean up efforts and caused even more damage to the tune of $13.92 billion.

8. Loma Prieta Earthquake (1989) - Shaking northern California during the World Series, the Loma Prieta Earthquake is best remembered for collapsing the Bay Bridge whilst drivers were crossing it. Damages were between US $8-13 billion.

9. Hurricane Rita (2005) - The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Rita hit parts of Texas causing an additional $11.3 billion worth of damage

10. Hurricane Georges (1998) - Hitting strongest in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic, Hurricane Georges caused US $8 billion worth of damage when it hit South Florida

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