India, Dec. 31 -- Communities from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean saw earthquakes, heatwaves, floods, volcanic eruptions and strong storms. These were the shocks which unveiled the brittleness of infrastructure, exposure of society, widespread economic and human effect of extreme natural events.

This year started off with a powerful quake hitting Tingri Country, Tibet on January 7 jolting at the Magnitude of 7.1 Richter scale. It was claimed for at least 126 deaths and injured close to 200. The whole villages were destroyed in sub-freezing winter temperature leaving tens of thousands homeless.

The Rescue efforts were hampered by the rugged terrain and freezing condition in the area. Tremors from the quake could be felt as far away as...