China is one of the countries most affected by disasters caused by natural hazards. Disasters comprise an important restricting factor for economic and social development.

Retrospective analysis was performed based on the epidemiological data of disasters caused by natural hazards in recent two decades.

The deadliest disaster that was reviewed was the Sichuan, Wenchuan earthquake on 12 May 2008 with a death toll of 88,928. Floods were the the primary natural hazard resulting in disaster in China. The economic loss caused by natural disasters was huge, the Sichuan earthquake alone resulted in an economic loss of 845.1 billion Chinese Yuan. However, psychosocial factors did not receive attention by Chinese Government and academics.

The characteristics and impact of disasters should be analyzed to scientifically provide useful information for natural disaster mitigation in China.