Munich Re: half-year nat cat stats reveal high death toll
Munich Re’s half-year report shows the 2008 death toll from natural catastrophes is on track to be among the worst on record.
More than 150,000 people have died from natural catastrophes between January and June, with heavy losses amounting to about $US50 billion ($52 billion).
Insured losses were also above average at about $US13 billion ($13.4 billion).
The reinsurer notes the year is following “the long-term trend towards more weather catastrophes, which is influenced by climate change”.
The magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Chinese province of Sichuan and the Myanmar cyclone, which both occurred in May, exacerbated the high death toll, which is already higher than any full year since 2004.
More than 150,000 people have died from natural catastrophes between January and June, with heavy losses amounting to about $US50 billion ($52 billion).
Insured losses were also above average at about $US13 billion ($13.4 billion).
The reinsurer notes the year is following “the long-term trend towards more weather catastrophes, which is influenced by climate change”.
The magnitude 7.9 earthquake in the Chinese province of Sichuan and the Myanmar cyclone, which both occurred in May, exacerbated the high death toll, which is already higher than any full year since 2004.