The recession took its toll on the area, as well.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The death toll in Friday's explosion in a predominantly Somali area of the Kenyan capital Nairobi has risen to five, police say.

BBC: Nairobi's Somali area Eastleigh hit by fatal blast

The 1986 Chernobyl leak caused few deaths initially, but resulted in the forced relocation of more than 100, 000 Ukrainians from an area near the plant and the true human toll is still debated.

FORBES: Japan's Nuclear Crisis Puts Markets In Panic Mode

Covering the largest area to be impacted since 1956, these conditions are taking a heavy toll on crop yields.

FORBES: The Ethanol Mandate: Drought Only Compounds Inherent Catastrophic Consequences

Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun, who says he stands to lose toll revenues, has sued over the proposal, arguing his company has exclusive rights over border crossings in the area.

BBC: US-Canada bridge project gets presidential blessing

On Monday the toll from the flooding rose again to 20, after the body of a man was found in the Lockyer Valley area and a flood-related death was confirmed in Ipswich.

BBC: Australia floods: Queensland launches inquiry