As the year came to a close, a series of calamities occurred, casting a shadow over the world.... From floods and earthquakes to landslides and snow storms, the final weeks of the year were markedby a cascade of challenges.A woman carrying her belongings as she wades through a flooded street After heavy rains in Chennai, India.... — APA collapsed road near the city of Shika, Ishikawa prefecture, japan, following A powerful earthquake....