The Worst Natural Disasters of 2017 and What You Can Do to Help

2017 has been an unrelenting year for natural disasters. From wildfires to earthquakes to hurricanes, there has been no rest for the weary. Some of our favorite travel destinations worldwide have seen complete devastation — wildfires have ravaged Northern California, hurricanes have completely destroyed parts of Texas and earthquakes proved deadly in Mexico. But in the face of disaster, we've seen how people can come together to help those in times of need. Here's how you can help out those affected by 2017's most catastrophic natural disasters.

Wildfires

California

Wildfires broke out in Northern California on Sunday, October 8, and have killed more than 40 people as firefighters continue to work on extinguishing the quick-moving flames. The outbreak is now one of the deadliest in the state's history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, affecting regions like Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Yuba County and Napa County. Below are ways you can help out victims and their families in the area.

• If you live nearby, you can offer your home for free to those who have been displaced via Airbnb through October 30.
• Donate to the American Red Cross; be sure to click the drop-down menu to ensure your donation goes toward the appropriate disaster. You can also volunteer through American Red Cross.
• Volunteer, donate or foster a pet that has been evacuated from affected areas. You can do so through the Milo Foundation, the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and Petaluma Animal Services.
• Donate on GoFundMe to help feed victims in Sonoma County and Santa Rosa.

Earthquakes

Mexico

Mexico was ravished by not one, not two, but three earthquakes within a 15 day period. The first and largest earthquake (and strongest to hit the country in a century) shook the southern tip of the country near the Guatemala border in early September with a magnitude of 8.1, killing dozens. Less than two weeks later, the country was rattled by a 7.1 magnitude quake killing more than 300 people. Four days after that, the country experienced a 6.1 magnitude earthquake. The country is in desperate need of help right now. Find ways to help below.

• Donate to UNICEF's earthquake relief efforts in Mexico. Money raised through UNICEF goes directly to help children affected by the destruction.
• Project Paz is a non-profit in NYC that helps Latino children and has a fund set up for earthquake relief.
• Global Giving takes donations and distributes the money to local recovery efforts. They have a goal of raising $2.5 million and are nearly halfway there.

Hurricanes

Puerto Rico

Hurricane Maria wrecked Puerto Rico with a direct hit as a Category 5 hurricane and winds measuring over 150mph. Now, the hurricane aftermath has turned into a humanitarian crisis. The island still has little power and water, fuel and food are still extremely scarce. Experts estimate it could be up to six months before power is restored to the island and that the death toll will reach into the hundreds. The island is in desperate need of aid, which you can send via the links below.

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• The First Lady of Puerto Rico has set up a fund, United for Puerto Rico, to help victims. 100% of the funds will go directly to families whose lives were devastated.
• Former US Presidents have set up One America Appeal to help all families affected by hurricanes in 2017.
• Additionally, you can help by simply spreading the word and sharing the above links. One of the biggest issues facing the island is the breakdown of communication due to the extreme loss of power and infrastructure.

Florida & Northern Caribbean

Hurricane Irma was the most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. Before the storm made landfall, the largest mass evacuation in the country's history took place from southern Florida — six million people were advised to leave under the mandatory evacuation. Many homes and buildings were completely destroyed and many lives were lost. Barbuda, Antigua, the Florida Keys and Cuba were some of the places that saw extreme damage. Help the areas affected by Hurricane Irma by donating money or time to the places below.

• Donate time and/or money to Volunteer Florida. This is the state's official private fund that assists in recovery and disaster relief.
• Donate to Save the Children's Hurricane Irma fund.
• SPCA International provides support to shelters and rescue groups that were affected by the storm.

Texas

Hurricane Harvey was the first major storm to make landfall in the US in 2017. It caused catastrophic flooding in Houston as well as the surrounding areas. It also had powerful winds and a storm surge that wreaked havoc on the Texas coast. Harvey's aftermath left floodwaters in parts of Texas for days; it is now known as the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the United States. Here's how you can help Harvey victims.

• Brother's Brother Foundation is accepting donations in the form of supplies. Any monetary donations go towards shipping costs and delivering supplies to areas affected in Texas.
• Sponsor a child in need through World Vision.
• If you make a donation through Habitat for Humanity, your donation will be matched to make twice the impact for a family. You can also sign up to build houses through their website in affected areas.