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Record numbers of natural catastrophes in 2014

Swiss Re sigma study

According to the latest sigma study, there were 189 natural catastrophe events in 2014, the highest ever on sigma records, causing global economic losses of USD 110 billion. Global insured losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters were USD 35 billion in 2014 driven largely by severe thunderstorms in the US and Europe, and harsh winter conditions in the US and Japan. Insured losses were well below the USD 64 billion-average of the previous 10 years.

Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters in 2014, sigma study 2/2015: Record numbers of natural catastrophes in 2014

The number of victims of disaster events in 2014 was one of the lowest recorded due to improvements in early warning systems and emergency preparedness. Progress in local prevention and mitigation measures to strengthen resilience will be a key variable, especially if climate change leads to more frequent natural catastrophe events.

This sigma includes a special chapter on severe thunderstorms, which are also called severe convective storms. The total cost and insured loss of these storms have been on an upward trend over the last 25 years. Global insured losses rose by an average annual rate of 9% in the period 1990 to 2014. This is mainly due to rising losses in the US where the frequency of storms (particularly tornados) and insurance penetration are highest. As well as in Europe where hail storms and flash flooding happen often.

Catégories

  • Risques naturels
  • Événements extrêmes
Anglais