Q: What was the costliest natural disaster in the United States history?
A: Hurricane Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in the United States history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA estimates it caused $160 billion worth of damages to the Gulf Coast in August 2005. NOAA estimates costs adjusted for inflation by calculating both insured and uninsured losses, including damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and lost business.
Hurricane Katrina claimed lives of more than 1200 people. Fatalities were reported from Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Hurricane Katrina formed as Tropical Depression Twelve over the southeastern Bahamas on August 23, 2005.