If things here is already scaring you consider the fact that it's much worse where this World is headings to. It's complete choas, disorderliness, lawlessness, etc in that world. It's a place where nothing can holds together. In that World, you could be discussing with a person and a mighty stones crash close to you, because they are kind of free radicals with nothing to hold them in one place.
As Earth shield weakens, things on earth become radicalized and expose to the world with stronger chaotic energy.
I try to avoid sounding religious here so people can relate with this better.
There have always been plagues.
What has changed is the fragility of humans.
10,000 years ago a 9.0 earthquake was exciting for a short while, but today it can level a city so it's a big deal.