2011 was an exceptionally destructive and deadly year for tornadoes ; worldwide , at least 577 people perished due to tornadoes : 12 in Bangladesh , two in South Africa , one in New Zealand , one in the Philippines , one in Russia , one in Canada , and an estimated 553 in the United States ( compared to 564 US deaths in the prior ten years combined ) .
At least 577 people were killed in tornadoes in 2011 : 12 in Bangladesh , two in South Africa , one in New Zealand , one in the Philippines , one in Russia , one in Canada , and an estimated 553 in the United States .