Top 10 Worst Things that Happened in 2022

While many hoped that 2022 would be better than the previous two years, it still brought significant challenges.

The year saw the rise of the Omicron variant, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, various natural disasters, and the passing of notable celebrities.

The Top Ten

Invasion of Ukraine by Russia

On February 24th, 2022, Russia announced the beginning of its "special military operation" against Ukraine and shortly after began attacking Ukraine using missiles, rockets, and airstrikes. These were followed by a large scale ground invasion on four primary fronts.
The ongoing war has caused widespread devastation, contributed to a global economic crisis, a massive humanitarian crisis, and the death of up to 100,000 Ukrainians.

I send my condolences to the families of the victims of these attacks, and I pray that this doesn't escalate into a deadlier attack, or potentially even the third World War. I actually almost cried a little bit ago after seeing something on the news about a massive explosion in Kyiv. I'm scared that it will now more than ever escalate into a World War. Especially with the president that we have, I'm worried that we won't be defending anymore, but fighting.

This should go to the top numbers now. If this keeps going on, what if we have a 3rd world war? We don't want to get killed, do we? Ukraine is being wiped off our Earth if they don't do anything to stop Russia from continuing this. Prayers to all the victims and families of this indescribable mess. 2022 has reached a catastrophe for Ukraine.
China Omicron lockdown

In early 2022, China implemented strict lockdowns in several cities, including Shanghai and Xi'an, to contain outbreaks of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. These measures affected millions of residents and included mass testing and travel restrictions. The lockdowns were part of China's zero-COVID policy aimed at eliminating the virus's spread.

Why was this item approved but "Shanghai COVID Lockdowns" wasn't? I added that two weeks ago and it never got approved.
But again, they have gone utterly draconian over the virus. There was a heart-wrenching video of the COVID police there beating a dog, and I couldn't believe what I saw. Plus, another leaked video of cats inside plastic bags. They are quarantining both people and pets, keeping everyone locked up in the worst ways possible.
Omicron infection rates increase

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 led to a significant surge in infections worldwide in early 2022. Many countries reported record-breaking daily case numbers due to Omicron's high transmissibility. Hospitalization rates varied, with some areas experiencing strain on healthcare systems despite lower severity compared to previous variants.

This is making history for the world even though it's said to be a mild variant compared to Delta. It shows us the world may never be normal again.

That sucks. It made me get COVID from January 25th until February 1st. I had to be absent from school for two weeks, and that was where I got it from. And now, my dad has it.
Putin threatens to start a nuclear war

In 2022, Vladimir Putin issued multiple threats suggesting the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to Western involvement in Ukraine. Russian officials reiterated these warnings at various points, emphasizing the country's nuclear capabilities. The threats raised global concerns about escalation and nuclear conflict.

We are really close to it. Putin surely needs to be stopped. But I'll say the controversial thing and say Zelensky needs to ease up too. He calls on NATO to launch preemptive strikes against Russia trying to eliminate the possibility of a nuclear strike, but this can honestly lead to said nuclear strike. Everyone does not want this.

My theory is that Putin is going to start a nuclear war in the late 2020s or 2030, and it will go on until 2032, when the nuclear war becomes so intense the entire world is destroyed.

This means the world could end over the years. WWIII may be here. We're doomed. Thanks a lot, Vladimir Putin.
Bucha massacre

In March 2022, after Russian forces withdrew from the town of Bucha in Ukraine, mass graves and bodies of civilians were discovered in the streets. Ukrainian authorities and international investigators documented evidence of war crimes, including executions and torture. Russian officials denied responsibility, but satellite imagery and witness testimonies indicated atrocities occurred during the occupation.
Fentanyl epidemic

In 2022, the United States continued to face a severe opioid crisis, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to a significant number of overdose deaths. Fentanyl, being 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, was often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses. Efforts to combat the epidemic included public health campaigns and increased access to naloxone.

Lots of people are taking fentanyl more often. Fentanyl is said to be a pain medication, but many are going overboard with it. The high usage is causing diseases and deaths.
January North Korean missile launch

On January 5th, 2022, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast. The test was part of a series of missile launches that year, demonstrating advancements in North Korea's weapons programs. The launch was condemned by several countries, citing violations of United Nations resolutions.

Seriously, why are they more concerned about killing their "enemies" with nukes than actually making peace with them or, for that matter, their own oppressed people? This alone makes Kim Jong Un easily tied (if not worse) with Xi and Trump as the worst world leader of this century!

I thought North Korea was talking about the environment other than nukes. What happened?
Robb Elementary School shooting

On May 24th, 2022, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos shot his grandmother and then drove to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Armed with an AR-15 style rifle, Ramos fired shots for approximately 5 minutes outside the school before entering the school. While in the school, Ramos shot and killed nineteen students and two teachers, and wounded seventeen others. More than an hour after he entered the school, Ramos was shot and killed by members of the United States Border Patrol Tactical Unit.

As if you thought the mass shooting at the Buffalo supermarket in New York wasn't enough of a wake-up call, here's a really shocking wake-up call for Texas. 19 children (+ 2 teachers) were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. This is causing more fear as shootings continue, even though the chances of you or your kids getting shot at any school are very low. It shows us our country isn't at full peace and our gun control laws are stubborn. R.I.P. to the 21 people who lost their lives and pray for their families after Texas's deadliest school shooting and America's deadliest on school property since Sandy Hook, Connecticut in 2012.

On May 24th, 2022, a terrible shooting occurred in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and one teacher were shot and killed. What's even worse is that this is the same day I'm commenting this. It is now the second deadliest U.S. school shooting and the 9th in U.S. history. May everyone who was shot rest in peace, be remembered, and respected as the amazing people they were on Earth.
Resurgence of gun violence in the United States

In 2022, the United States saw a significant increase in gun-related violence, with mass shootings occurring in schools, shopping centers, and public events. The rise in shootings led to renewed debates over gun control legislation and firearm regulations. Data from law enforcement agencies showed an increase in both homicides and non-fatal shootings compared to previous years.

We're seeing a wide resurgence of gun violence across the country as more people get shot. It's technically a rare chance to get killed in a shooting, but it's seemingly not as rare as it was earlier. We're seeing more innocent people getting killed by mentally ill, messed-up people with guns. It's all causing fear across the nation, which is what the gunmen want. Prayers to all the innocent people and families.
Buffalo, New York supermarket shooting

On May 14th, 2022, in a racially motivated attack, Payton S. Gendron shot and killed 10 Black people at a Tops Friendly Market supermarket. Three additional people were wounded.
Gendron is reported to have described himself as a supporter of white supremacy and an advocate for the "Great Replacement" conspiracy.

Ten people have died based on the Replacement Theory. Everyone should condemn mass shootings and white supremacy. Call out this extremist ideology and several public officials and media hosts who embrace and spread it.

This was a wake-up call for New York and the entire U.S., showing us we haven't found the peace we needed for our country after all. 10 killed? I can't believe it. Rest in peace to all the victims and pray for Buffalo.

Now a supermarket shooting? Why?

The Newcomers

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Death of Sacheen Littlefeather

On October 2, 2022, actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. She was best known for declining Marlon Brando's Oscar on his behalf at the 1973 Academy Awards in protest of Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans. Shortly after her passing, her claims of Indigenous heritage were publicly disputed by her biological sisters, who stated the family was of Spanish and Mexican descent.

Actress and civil rights activist who gained notoriety for her 1973 Oscars speech.
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Death of Pelé

On December 29, 2022, Brazilian football legend Pelé died at the age of 82 after battling colon cancer. Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner, was widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history. His death prompted tributes from the global football community and a period of national mourning in Brazil.

RIP to this Brazilian soccer/football legend.

The Contenders

5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan

On June 22, 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, causing widespread destruction in Paktika and Khost provinces. The earthquake killed over 1,000 people and injured thousands more, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in Afghanistan's history. The disaster strained the country's already limited emergency response resources and prompted international aid efforts.

This was a wake-up call. It's Afghanistan's deadliest earthquake since 2002. 1,163 were killed (1,150 in Afghanistan and 13 in Pakistan), and there's no food storage space or shelter for the people or families. It was a magnitude 6.2. It's the deadliest earthquake anywhere on Earth since Haiti's in 2021.
Good thing the U.S. has better infrastructure than Afghanistan. Makes a difference. Thankfully, rescue teams are delivering items to save lives there. Rest in peace to all the victims of a historic Afghan disaster. A truly devastating way to start summer in Afghanistan.

Over 1000 people lost their lives in just one day and the world wasn't mostly aware of this. I guess Afghans were abandoned by the whole world.
Vaishno Devi Temple stampede

On January 1, 2022, a stampede occurred at the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India, resulting in the deaths of 12 pilgrims and injuries to at least 16 others. The incident happened during a large influx of devotees marking the New Year. Authorities cited overcrowding and a reported altercation among pilgrims as contributing factors.

This was a horrible start to the new year. 12 pilgrims were killed at the Vaishno Devi Temple. R.I.P. to them and prayers to their family.
January 3rd Kenyan village massacre

On January 3, 2022, in Lamu County, Kenya, armed assailants attacked the villages of Widhu and Hindi, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. The attackers burned homes and targeted residents in what authorities suspect was an act by the al-Shabaab militant group. The incident heightened security concerns in the region near the Somali border.
January 3rd Islamic State rocket attack

On January 3, 2022, Islamic State militants launched a rocket attack targeting the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq's Anbar province, which houses U.S. and coalition forces. The assault involved five rockets but resulted in no casualties or significant damage. The attack underscored ongoing security challenges in the region despite the group's territorial losses.
Kazakhstan protests

Beginning on January 2, 2022, protests erupted in Kazakhstan's city of Zhanaozen over a sudden increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, reflecting broader discontent with the government and former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. In response, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency and requested assistance from the Collective Security Treaty Organization to restore order.

It shows us it's still not at peace.
Shooting of Arianna Delane on New Year's Day

On January 1, 2022, Arianna Delane, the 4-year-old niece of George Floyd, was shot while sleeping in her bed in Houston, Texas. A gunman fired multiple shots into her family's apartment, injuring Arianna in the torso. She was hospitalized and underwent surgery for her injuries.

Who the hell has the heart to shoot an innocent 4-year-old relative of one of the most well-known victims of racial inequality? And why didn't the police respond to the event quickly? If anything, racism is still an underlying problem and sadly anyone nowadays (even kids!) is in danger thanks to what's happening right now!

Arianna is recovering, thank heavens, but the perpetrator has not even been announced yet. I hope they are brought to justice as soon as possible.

Lots of people know who shot her, but the "no snitching" honor code is more important to uphold than bringing them to justice.
Idlib loses water supply after Russian bombing

In 2022, Russian airstrikes targeted infrastructure in Idlib, Syria, leading to the destruction of water stations supplying hundreds of thousands of residents. The attacks intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region, where many rely on aid for survival. The damage to the water supply left civilians without access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

Poor people. This shows us how seriously horrible bombings are.
Death of Queen Elizabeth II

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, passed away at the age of 96. Her death marked the end of a 70-year reign that began in 1952. Her son, Charles, ascended to the throne as King Charles III.

Her private secretary has confirmed that Elizabeth II, the queen who held the reign for 70 years, has died today. She died peacefully, and Operation London Bridge has begun immediately. She was the most famous and iconic person in British history and of all the previous monarchs.
Charles III has taken the throne as king, and everyone in Britain will mourn this day. It's likely that about 20 years later, William, Duke of Cambridge, will be king at about 60, and his son, Prince George of Cambridge, will be king at about 44, with the math done on age 95. It's crazy how life is going fast.

Rest in peace to Queen Elizabeth II indeed. She was 96 years old when she died, and she seemed to have had a wonderful life. She will be rocking in peaceful heaven.
Bronx apartment fire

All 17 were killed, including a 2-year-old. This has got to be the worst apartment disaster anywhere in years and the worst ever for the Bronx. R.I.P. to all the 17. No survivors.
Halloween festival stampede in Seoul, South Korea

On October 29, 2022, a deadly crowd crush occurred in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea, during Halloween celebrations. The stampede resulted in the deaths of at least 158 people and left hundreds injured. Authorities faced criticism for inadequate crowd control measures despite warnings of high attendance.

159 killed at the Itaewon Halloween festival in South Korea's capital, Seoul. This was among the deadliest stampedes in South Korea. It was supposed to be the first Halloween festival there since before COVID-19. It's among the biggest tragedies anywhere in 2022 and among the biggest Korean tragedies of all time. We should have learned more about safety since the Astroworld stampede in 2021.
Rest in peace to all the victims taken and prayers for the families. We may never view events and their safety the same way again.

Over 156 people have died and over 152 others were injured in this crowd crush during a Halloween party in Itaewon, a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, making it the deadliest disaster in South Korean history since the sinking of MV Sewol. It's crazy and unexpected seeing how many people have died in a Halloween party, which killed more people than many terrorist attacks.
Gas prices skyrocket
Stampede at a soccer match in Indonesia leaves 135 people dead

On October 1, 2022, a stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Indonesia, occurred after police fired tear gas to disperse fans following a soccer match. The resulting panic led to a deadly crush, with 135 people killed and hundreds injured. The incident was one of the worst stadium disasters in history and led to widespread criticism of crowd control measures.

This was easily the most horrific thing that ever happened at a game in Indonesia after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami.
Prayers go to all the families affected by this horrible event. R.I.P. to all those lives lost.
Death of Bob Saget

He was the man behind the iconic Danny Tanner from Full House and the voice of narrator Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother. He was also the host of America's Funniest Home Videos. He was 65. R.I.P. to another golden comedy legend.
January Arauca clashes

In January 2022, violent clashes erupted in Colombia's Arauca region between armed groups, including the ELN and former FARC dissidents. The fighting resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of civilians. The conflict intensified concerns about security in border areas and the influence of armed groups in the region.
Discovery of new COVID variant in France

Please, not again. I'm getting sick (no pun intended) of all of the new variants coming up whenever things start to get better.

ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?! MY MOTHER HAS COVID, TOO! Wait, I actually had a dream a while back about a new "Rho" variant. Could this be it?