2011 Natural Disasters Costliest On Record

2011 Natural Disasters Costliest on Record
Story
Spotfire Dashboard
Last year costliest on record for natural disasters
Review of natural catastrophes in 2011: Earthquakes result in record loss year
Preface
The year in figures
The earth shakes: 11 March, the Tohoku earthquake
The earth shakes II: The Christchurch earthquake
Weather-related catastrophes: Floods in Thailand
North America: Many storms but few hurricanes in North America
Note for editorial departments
Overview Natural catastrophes in 2011
Natural catastrophes in 2011
The five largest natural catastrophes of 2011
Ranking by overall losses
Ranking by insured losses
Ranking by number of fatalities
Natural catastrophes 2011
World Map
Percentage Distribution
Percentage Distribution Ordered by Content
Number of Events With Trend for 1980-2011
Overall and Insured Losses with Trend for 1980-2011
Wold Map Natural Catastrophes 2011
Overall picture of natural catastrophes in 2010 Very severe earthquakes and many severe weather events
Preface
Major catastrophes dominate the list of losses
Hurricane season in the North Atlantic: Lucky escape
Asia and America most frequently affected by catastrophes
Volcano on Iceland paralyses air traffic
http://semanticommunity.info/AOL_Government/2011_Natural_Disasters_Costliest_on_Record
Updated: Sun, 14 Jun 2015 04:39:46 GMT
Powered by
1
Video statement Prof. Peter Hppe
Few major natural catastrophe losses in 2009 General trend confirmed by large number of weather extremes
Preface
The ten largest natural catastrophes in 2009
World map natural disasters 2009
World Map
Insured Losses US $22bn - Percentage Distribution Per Continent
Catastrophe figures for 2008 confirm that climate agreement is urgently needed
Preface
Some of the main events in detail
Natural catastrophe figures for 2007: Higher losses despite absence of megacatastrophes, very many loss events
Preface
Details
Note for editorial departments:
Comparison with previous years
Overall balance of natural catastrophe losses in 2006: Weather phenomena curb development of hurricanes but
no grounds for complacency
Powered by
2
Preface
A detailed look at exceptional natural catastrophes in 2006
North Atlantic: Small number of hurricanes in 2006 does not contradict the trend
Asia: Greater tropical storm losses
Further high earthquake death toll, surprising losses
Floods strike once more in India
Beginning of 2006: Central Europe buried in snow
Loss potentials increase demand for reinsurance
Natural catastrophes 2006 Comparison with previous years
Two natural events play a prominent role in the 2005 catastrophe figures: Devastating earthquake in Kashmir:
More than 80,000 killed and numerous people injured or homeless Hurricanes make 2005 the costliest natural
catastrophe year so far in insurance history
Preface
Natural catastrophe figures in 2005
A general analysis of 2005
A new dimension in windstorm catastrophes
The insurance industry reacts to Katrina
San Francisco 1906: An earthquake shakes the world
Ranking by economic losses
Significant earthquakes 19002005
15 deadliest earthquakes 19002005
10 costliest earthquakes (economic losses) 19002005
Shortly before the end of the year 2004, the strongest earthquake for 40 years
Preface
Overall picture of natural catastrophes in 2004
An overview of the analysis results for 2004
Tens of thousands killed or injured after seaquake in Asia / The number of earthquakes had been below
average in the course of the year until then
2004: Maximum losses for insurers mainly due to weather-related natural catastrophes
Munich Re's Geo Risks Research Department "under new management" from 1 January 2005
Powered by
3
Disclaimer
Major earthquakes and tsunamis 1900-2004
15 deadliest earthquakes, 1900-2004
10 deadliest tsunamis, 1900-2004
Other historic tsunami disasters
10 costliest earthquakes/tsunamis, 1900-2004
Largest earthquakes, 1900-2004
The most expensive windstorm catastrophes in insurance history
Curriculum vitae of apl. Professor Dr. Dr. Peter Hppe
Munich Re's analysis of natural catastrophes in 2003: Economic and insured losses continue to increase at a high
level
Preface
The results for 2003 in detail
Earthquake: Large numbers of victims / Iran hit particularly hard
Windstorms govern the insurers' overall balance
Hot summer: Extreme event or the norm in the future?
Enclosure: The ten largest natural catastrophes in 2003
Munich Re's analysis of natural catastrophes in 2002: Economic losses increase distinctly to US$ 55bn (2001:
35bn)
Preface
Windstorms and floods govern the overall balance in 2002
A flood of record rainfalls
Disastrous and alarming earthquakes
Munich Re Research and consultation for the insurance industry
"Climate. The Experiment with Planet Earth"
Appendix 1: Chart Natural catastrophes 2002
Chart 1
Chart 2
Powered by
4
Appendix 2: The ten largest natural catastrophes in 2002
Reihenfolge nach volkswirtschaftlichen Schden
Reihenfolge nach versicherten Schden
Reihenfolge nach Todesopfern
Natural catastrophes 2001: no very large losses for the insurance industry
Preface
Windstorms and floods dominate in the overall balance of natural catastrophes
Series of earthquakes worldwide
Enclosure 1: The ten largest natural catastrophes of 2001
Economic losses
Insured losses
Fatalities
Enclosure 2: Selection of significant natural catastrophes in 2001
Table
World Map
Natural catastrophes 2000: Property damage and bodily injury much lower than in recent years
Preface
Severe floods throughout the world
Moderate cyclone season
No all-clear in the long term
Table
World Map
Enclosure 2: 10 significant natural catastrophes in 2000
A year, a century, and a millennium of natural catastrophes are all nearing their end 1999 is completely in line
with the catastrophe trend Munich Re publishes a millennium review
Story
Munich Re's review of natural catastrophes in 1998: A year with an exceptionally large number of natural
catastrophes / Losses above US$ 90bn, of which US$ 15bn insured
Story
10 major natural disasters 1998 worldwide
10 major natural disasters 1998 Europe
Munich Re's review of the year's natural catastrophes: 1997, a year with exceptionally few natural catastrophes:
losses close to US$ 30bn, of which US$ 4.5bn insured
Story
1996 another year of natural catastrophes: floods, windstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions claim 11,000 lives
and cause losses exceeding US$ 60bn
Story
Powered by
5
Story
Tutorial Slides
My eye caught the Tweet "Last year costliest on record for natural disasters" and I looked at the article in the New
Scientist which said "Natural disasters are more frequent than 30 years ago - and are costing more" and the graphic with
spikes in costs for the previous 1995 Kobe earthquake (250 US$bn) and the 2005 Hurricane Katrina (260 US$bn), and
the Japan and New Zealand Earthquakes (380US$bn), this past year. I recall during the recent debt ceiling crisis debate
about whether these would be paid for out of existing budgets or by raising the debit ceiling.
Torsten Jeworrek, Munich Re Board member responsible for global reinsurance business said : Thankfully, a sequence
of severe natural catastrophes like last year's is a very rare occurrence. We had to contend with events with return
periods of once every 1,000 years or even higher at the locations concerned. But we are prepared for such extreme
situations. It is the insurance industry's task to cover extreme losses as well, to help society cope with such events and
to learn from them in order to protect mankind better from these natural perils.
Natural catastrophes are classed as "great" if the ability of the region to help itself is distinctly overtaxed, making inter-
regional or international assistance necessary. This is usually the case when thousands of people are killed, hundreds of
thousands are made homeless, or when a country suffers substantial economic losses (depending on the economic
circumstances generally prevailing in that country).
In the last one thousand years more than 15 million people have probably died in at least 100,000 natural catastrophes.
This figure does not include catastrophes like droughts and famines which are difficult to assess in numerical terms and
which can certainly be held responsible for the deaths of millions more. Whilst there has been a steep increase in the
number of natural catastrophes and the insured losses they generate due to the higher concentration of people and
values, the number of victims, at least in relation to the growing population of the world as a whole, seems to be
gradually declining thanks to improved early warning systems and protection techniques.
As a data scientist (recently called the career of the future), I am interested in the source and quality of the data and
found it to be Munich Res NatCatSERVICE, which says "it is the most comprehensive collection of natural catastrophe
data, overall and insured loss figures in the world, NatCatSERVICE analyses and statistics are used in insurance and
finance, science and politics." One can register for access for free and reuse their data as along as you give them credit.
Powered by
6
I built a knowledgebase of all their annual report press releases from 1996 - 2011 and digitized some graphics that
contained data for 1980-2011 to create a dashboard for my analytics. I wanted to see if there is any correlation between
more frequent weather catastrophes and say climate change, and there is a good linear correlation between number of
meteorological events and the annual global temperature anomalies for land and ocean combined, expressed as
departures from the 1901-2000 average. National Climatic Data Center.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of the past 100 years, the quake in Haiti on 12 January killed
more than 220,000 people. As a followup to my story on A Quint for Cross Information Sharing and Integration in the
Intelligence Community about NGA Director Letitia Long's statement: "I wanted to fundamentally change the user's
experience by putting the power of GEOINT in the hands of the user, I have created a Haiti Spotfire Dashboard to show
how critical information for first responders could be assembled rapidly, provisioned in the cloud, and delivered on
mobile devices like iPads to the field and updated by those in the field back to the command center. Hopefully this use of
new cloud and mobile device technologies will lessen the response times and improved the quality of responses in
future disasters.
Spotfire Dashboard
For Internet Explorer Users and Those Wanting Full Screen Display Use: Web Player Get Spotfire for iPad App
Media, iframe, embed and object tags are not supported inside of a PDF.
Last year costliest on record for natural disasters
Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21328474.200-cost-of-natural-disasters-spiralled-in-2011.html
16 January 2012
Magazine issue 2847. Subscribe and save
Powered by
7
$380 billion. That's how much natural disasters cost the global economy in 2011, making it the costliest year on record.
The toll was driven by the earthquakes that struck New Zealand in February and Japan in March.
Munich Re, one of the world's biggest reinsurance companies, has compiled data on the cost of natural disasters since
1980. It shows that the Japanese quake was the costliest disaster of all time, with losses of $210 billion - not including
the nuclear incident at Fukushima.
More broadly, the figures reveal a clear rise in the financial losses associated with natural disasters over the past 30
years <figref refid="mg28474201.jpg">(see graph)</figref>.
The number of earthquakes has remained stable since 1980 but their economic cost is rising - a reminder that quake
risk should be recognised by town planners, say Munich Re.
In contrast, the number of weather-related events like floods and drought is rising. Evidence suggests this is linked to
climate change, particularly in the case of extreme temperatures and rainfall, says Peter Stott of the UK Met Office in
Exeter.
The cost of extreme temperatures, fires and droughts has remained stable, the Munich Re findings show, but floods and
storms cost us more today than they did 30 years ago.
If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the
syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of
licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.
Review of natural catastrophes in 2011: Earthquakes result in record

loss year
Source: http://www.munichre.com/en/media_relations/press_releases/2012/2012_01_04_press_release.aspx
Munich, 4 January 2012 | Reinsurance
Preface
A sequence of devastating earthquakes and a large number of weather-related catastrophes made 2011 the costliest
year ever in terms of natural catastrophe losses. At about US$ 380bn, global economic losses were nearly two-thirds
higher than in 2005, the previous record year with losses of US$ 220bn. The earthquakes in Japan in March and New
Zealand in February alone caused almost two-thirds of these losses. Insured losses of US$ 105bn also exceeded the
2005 record (US$ 101bn).
Torsten Jeworrek, Munich Re Board member responsible for global reinsurance business: Thankfully, a sequence of
severe natural catastrophes like last year's is a very rare occurrence. We had to contend with events with return periods
of once every 1,000 years or even higher at the locations concerned. But we are prepared for such extreme situations. It
is the insurance industry's task to cover extreme losses as well, to help society cope with such events and to learn from
them in order to protect mankind better from these natural perils.
Powered by
8
The year in figures
With some 820 loss-relevant events, the figures for 2011 were in line with the average of the last ten years. 90% of the
recorded natural catastrophes were weather-related however, nearly two-thirds of economic losses and about half the
insured losses stemmed from geophysical events, principally from the large earthquakes. Normally, it is the weather-
related natural catastrophes that are the dominant loss drivers. On average over the last three decades, geophysical
events accounted for just under 10% of insured losses. The distribution of regional losses in 2011 was also unusual.
Around 70% of economic losses in 2011 occurred in Asia.
Some 27,000 people fell victim to natural catastrophes in 2011. This figure does not include the countless people who
died as a result of the famine following the worst drought in decades on the Horn of Africa, which was the greatest
humanitarian catastrophe of the year. Civil war and political instability made it very difficult to bring effective aid to the
victims.
The earth shakes: 11 March, the Tohoku earthquake

The most destructive loss event of the year was the earthquake of 11 March in Tohoku, Japan, when a seaquake with a
magnitude of 9.0 occurred 130 km east of the port of Sendai and 370 km north of Tokyo. It was the strongest quake ever
recorded in Japan. The damage from the tremors themselves was relatively moderate thanks to strict building codes.
However, the quake triggered a terrible tsunami. The wave devastated the northeast coast of the main island Honshu. In
some bays, the wave reached a height of up to 40 metres. Entire towns, roads and railway lines were washed away,
hundreds of thousands of houses were destroyed. Some 16,000 people were killed in spite of high protective dykes and
an excellent early-warning system. Without these protective installations, the death toll would have been much higher.
The tsunami-exposed northeast of Japan is believed to have last been hit by a seismic sea wave of this size in the year
869.
The tsunami led to severe damage at several blocks of the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant. Some areas within a
radius of several kilometres of the plant will remain uninhabitable for a period of many years. Even without considering
the consequences of the nuclear accident, the economic losses caused by the quake and the tsunami came to
US$ 210bn the costliest natural catastrophe of all time. The share of insured losses may amount to as much as
US$ 40bn.
The fault line that triggered the quake was actually fairly short with a length of 450 km. However, the seabed at the
fracture face shifted by 30 to 40 metres. Experts believe that an earthquake of this strength occurs there once every 500
to 1,500 years. The main shock was followed by thousands of aftershocks, the strongest of which, some 40 minutes
after the main shock, had a magnitude of 7.9.
The earth shakes II: The Christchurch earthquake

Before the tsunami catastrophe in Japan, there had been an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude in Christchurch, New
Zealand, on 22 February. The notable aspect of this event was that an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude had hit Christchurch
just six months earlier. Unfortunately, the seismic waves were amplified due to reflection off an extinct volcano, so that
Powered by
9
far greater destruction was caused than would have normally been expected with an earthquake of this magnitude. The
epicentre was located at a shallow depth and only a few kilometres from the city centre.
The losses were enormous. Numerous old buildings collapsed, and many new buildings were damaged despite the very
high building standards. Some residential areas will not be rebuilt. Economic losses came to around US$ 16bn, of which
approximately US$ 13bn was insured.
One day before Christmas, the earth shook again in Christchurch. Over a dozen people were injured following three
strong earthquakes. However, in terms of their severity, the quakes were not as bad as the devastating event in
February. Consequently, losses for the insurance industry from these aftershocks are expected to be significantly lower.
Prof. Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Res Geo Risks Research unit: Even if it seems hard to believe given recent events,
the probability of earthquakes has not increased. However, these severe earthquakes are timely reminders that the
decisions on where to build towns need careful and serious consideration of these risks, especially where certain
buildings are concerned, above all nuclear power plants. Also, building codes in regions exposed to earthquakes need
to be made even stricter, so that buildings do not just remain standing to an extent sufficient to save lives but can be
used again afterwards.
Weather-related catastrophes: Floods in Thailand

The floods in Thailand stand out among the many weather-related catastrophes of 2011. They were triggered by
extreme rainfall, which started in spring and peaked in the autumn. Due to its low elevation above sea level, the plain of
central Thailand where the capital Bangkok is situated is prone to flooding throughout the rainy season from May to
October. According to the authorities, this year's floods were the worst for around 50 years. It is presumed that the La
Nia natural climate phenomenon was a contributory factor, since the rainy season is often stronger during this phase.
The floods claimed the lives of some 800 people. Not only were hundreds of thousands of houses and vast expanses of
farmland flooded, but also seven major industrial areas with production facilities belonging mainly to Japanese groups. A
large number of electronic key component manufacturers were affected, leading to production delays and disruptions at
client businesses. Approximately 25% of the world's supply of components for computer hard drives was directly
impacted by the floods. With economic losses amounting to tens of billions of dollars, the floods were by far the costliest
natural catastrophe in Thailand's history.
North America: Many storms but few hurricanes in North America

The tornado season was especially violent in the Midwest and southern states of the USA. Several series of storms with
numerous tornadoes caused economic losses totalling some US$ 46bn, of which US$ 25bn was insured. Insured losses
were thus twice as high as in the previous record year of 2010. The series of severe weather events can largely be
explained by the La Nia climate phenomenon. As part of this natural climate oscillation, weather fronts with cool air
from the northwest more frequently move over the central states of the USA and meet humid warm air in the south.
Under such conditions, extreme weather events are more probable than in normal years.
Losses from North-Atlantic hurricanes were moderate. However, as in 2010, this was purely by chance. At 18, the
number of recorded tropical cyclones in this season was some way above the long-term average (11) and above the
Powered by
10
average for the current warm phase with increased hurricane activity since the mid-1990s (15). The number of
hurricane-strength storms (6) was in line with the long-term average. However, the number of tropical cyclones that
made landfall, especially on the US coast, was very low. Only three named storms, one of them Hurricane Irene, made
landfall in the USA. Irene caused economic losses in the Caribbean and USA totalling US$ 15bn, US$ 7bn of which was
insured.
Another striking feature of this year was that, for the first time ever, US weather agency NOAA categorised a low-
pressure system over the Mediterranean as a tropical storm. The low-pressure system Rolf formed on 3 November. It
was caused by a ridge of cold air forming over the still warm sea (20C). With peak wind speeds of 120 km/h, the storm
"01M" made landfall on the French Mediterranean coast before dispersing. The storm produced extreme rainfall along
the Cote dAzur.

In case of enquiries, please contact:
Media Relations Munich, Michael Able

Tel.: +49 (89) 3891-2934
Media contact in Asia, Nikola Kemper

Tel.: +852 2536 6936
Media Relations USA, Terese Rosenthal

Tel.: +1 609 243 4339
Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client
proximity. Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff alike. In the financial year 2010, the Group
which pursues an integrated business model consisting of insurance and reinsurance achieved a profit of 2.4bn on
premium income of around 46bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 47,000 employees throughout the
world. With premium income of around 24bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the worlds leading reinsurers.
Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Our primary
insurance operations are concentrated mainly in the ERGO Insurance Group. With premium income of over 20bn,
ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Europe and Germany. It is the market leader in Europe in health and
legal protection insurance. More than 40 million clients in over 30 countries place their trust in the services and security
it provides. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as
related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Res global investments amounting to 193bn are managed by
MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the
management of Munich Re. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences
between the forward-looking statements given here and the actual development, in particular the results, financial
Powered by
11
situation and performance of our Company. The Company assumes no liability to update these forward-looking
statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
Munich, 4 January 2012
Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft in Mnchen
Media Relations
Kniginstrasse 107
80802 Munich
Germany
Overview Natural catastrophes in 2011

(PDF, 222 KB)
Munich Re NatCatSERVICE
Average of the last Average of the last

The figures of the The figures of the
10 years 30 years
year 2011 year 2010
2001-2010 1981-2010
Number of events 820 970 790 630
Overall losses in
US$ m (Original 380,000 152,000 113,000 75,000
values)
Insured losses in
US$ m (Original 105,000 42,000 35,000 19,000
values)
Fatalities 27,000 296,000 106,000 69,000
Country/ Overall losses Insured losses

Date Event Fatalities
Region US$ m US$ m
Powered by
12
Earthquake,
11.3.2011 Japan 15,840 210,000 35,000-40,000
tsunami
Floods,
1.8-15.11.2011 Thailand 813 40,000 10,000
landslides
22.2.2011 New Zealand Earthquake 181 16,000 13,000
Severe storms/
22-28.4.2011 USA 350 15,000 7,300
tornadoes
22.8-2.9.2011 USA, Caribbean Hurricane Irene 55 15,000 7,000
Country/ Overall losses Insured losses

Region US$ m US$ m
Earthquake,
11.3.2011 Japan 15,840 210,000 35,000-40,000
tsunami
22.2.2011 New Zealand Earthquake 181 16,000 13,000
Floods,
1.8-15.11.2011 Thailand 813 40,000 10,000
landslides
Severe storms/
22-28.4.2011 USA 350 15,000 7,300
tornadoes
22.8-2.9.2011 USA, Caribbean Hurricane Irene 55 15,000 7,000
Date Country/Region Event Fatalities
11.3.2011 Japan Earthquake, tsunami 15,840
12/16.1.2011 Brazil Landslides/flash floods 1,348
16-18.12.2011 Philippines Tropical Storm Washi 1,257
1.8-15.11.2011 Thailand Floods, landslides 813
Powered by
13
23.10.2011 Turkey Earthquake 604
2012 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Geo Risks Research, NatCatSERVICE

(PDF, 130 KB)
World Map
Percentage Distribution
Powered by
14
Percentage Distribution Ordered by Content
Number of Events With Trend for 1980-2011
Overall and Insured Losses with Trend for 1980-2011
Wold Map Natural Catastrophes 2011

(ZIP, 362KB) Extracted to Image (JPG) Note: This is the same as the World Map above but without the labels.
Powered by
15
Overall picture of natural catastrophes in 2010 Very severe
earthquakes and many severe weather events
Munich, 3 January 2011 | Reinsurance
Preface
Several major catastrophes in 2010 resulted in substantial losses and an exceptionally high number of fatalities. The
overall picture last year was dominated by an accumulation of severe earthquakes to an extent seldom experienced in
recent decades. The high number of weather-related natural catastrophes and record temperatures both globally and in
different regions of the world provide further indications of advancing climate change.
Altogether, a total of 950 natural catastrophes were recorded last year, nine-tenths of which were weather-related
events like storms and floods. This total makes 2010 the year with the second-highest number of natural catastrophes
since 1980, markedly exceeding the annual average for the last ten years (785 events per year). The overall losses
amounted to around US$ 130bn, of which approximately US$ 37bn was insured. This puts 2010 among the six most
loss-intensive years for the insurance industry since 1980. The level of overall losses was slightly above the high
average of the past ten years.
"2010 showed the major risks we have to cope with. There were a number of severe earthquakes. The hurricane season
was also eventful it was just fortunate that the tracks of most of the storms remained over the open sea. But things
could have turned out very differently", said Torsten Jeworrek, Munich Re's Reinsurance CEO. "The severe earthquakes
and the hurricane season with so many storms demonstrate once again that there must be no slackening of our efforts
to analyse these risks in detail and provide the necessary insurance covers at adequate prices. These prices calculated
by the insurance industry make it possible to assess the economic consequences of these otherwise difficult-to-evaluate
risks."
Powered by
16
Major catastrophes dominate the list of losses
In all, there were five catastrophes last year assignable to the top category of "great natural catastrophes" based on the
definition criteria of the United Nations: the earthquakes in Haiti (12 January), Chile (27 February) and central China
(13 April), the heatwave in Russia (July to September), and the floods in Pakistan (also July to September). These
accounted for the major share of fatalities in 2010 (around 295,000) and just under half the overall losses caused by
natural catastrophes.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of the past 100 years, the quake in Haiti on 12 January killed
more than 220,000 people. Only the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China claimed more lives (242,000). Whilst the
earthquake in Haiti resulted in human tragedy on a staggering scale, it gave rise to only negligible losses for the
insurance industry, as is so often the case in developing countries.
Five-hundred times more energy than in the Haiti quake was released by the earthquake that hit Chile just over a month
later. With overall losses of US$ 30bn and insured losses of US$ 8bn, this quake was last year's most expensive natural
catastrophe. Chile is a highly developed country with very strict building codes to take account of the high earthquake
exposure. As a result, there were comparatively few human casualties, despite the severity of the quake the fifth-
strongest ever measured although people were killed in Chile, too.
In the summer, floods following extreme monsoon rainfall had devastating consequences in Pakistan. For weeks, up to
one-quarter of the country was flooded. Countless people lost all their worldly possessions. The overall loss totalled US$
9.5bn an extremely high amount for Pakistan's emerging economy.
A widescale catastrophe also resulted from the heatwave in Russia and neighbouring countries between July and
September. Many places, including Moscow, experienced record temperatures. In some regions of central Russia, they
exceeded 30C for two months on end. Forests burned, with the fires threatening nuclear facilities and areas where the
ground had been contaminated by radioactive fallout from Chernobyl. At least 56,000 people died as a result of heat and
air pollution, making it the most deadly natural disaster in Russia's history.
Hurricane season in the North Atlantic: Lucky escape

The hurricane season in the North Atlantic was benign but only at first glance. Favourable weather patterns meant that
the US coast was not hit by a single hurricane. In Mexico, however, a few storms caused substantial damage.
Otherwise, the tropical cyclones turned away in a northeasterly direction over the sea, only grazing some islands in the
Caribbean.
But what appeared benign was, in terms of the number and intensity of the storms, one of the severest hurricane
seasons of the past 100 years. Altogether, there were 19 named tropical cyclones, equalling the number recorded in
1995 and putting 2010 in joint third place after 2005 (28) and 1933 (21). Twelve of the storms attained hurricane
strength, with five of these falling into the top hurricane categories (wind speeds over 178 km/h). This means the
forecasts of various institutes about the number of storms turned out to be very accurate. "The number of storms was
indeed well above average. It is just that it is impossible to forecast whether and where such storms will make landfall",
said Prof. Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Re's Geo Risks Research.
Powered by
17
Right at the start of the 2010 hurricane season, the water temperatures in the tropical North Atlantic were up to 2C
above the long-term mean and thus significantly higher than the level to be expected for the cyclical warm phase in the
North Atlantic that has persisted since 1995. The water temperatures thus provided ideal conditions for the occurrence
and high intensity of hurricanes. As from the beginning of August, atmospheric conditions also favoured the occurrence
of Atlantic tropical cyclones ("La Nia" conditions).
"That is in line with the trend of the past 30 years, in which all ocean basins show an increase in water temperatures.
This long-term trend can no longer be explained by natural climate oscillations alone. No, the probability is that climate
change is contributing to some of the warming of the world's oceans", said Hppe. "This influence will increase further
and, together with the continuing natural warm phase in the North Atlantic, is likely to mean a further high level of
hurricane activity in the coming years."
The strongest storm of the season was "Igor", which reached wind speeds of up to 250 km/h over the open sea but
grazed Bermuda as a weaker hurricane. The most expensive storm was Hurricane Karl, which caused overall losses of
US$ 3.9bn in Mexico, US$ 150m of which was insured. By contrast, all the storms that arose in the mid tropical Atlantic
east of Cuba and the Caribbean islands turned northwards over the ocean.
Asia and America most frequently affected by catastrophes

The global distribution of natural catastrophes in 2010 was comparable to that of previous years. Most catastrophes
occurred on the American continent (365) and in Asia (310). 120 natural catastrophes were recorded in Europe, 90 in
Africa and 65 in Australia/Oceania. North and South America also accounted for the largest portion of insured losses,
namely around two-thirds. Some 17% of the losses were incurred in Europe, where the most expensive individual event
was Winter Storm Xynthia, which mainly affected Spain and France and caused overall losses of US$ 6.1bn ( 4.5bn).
As is usual with windstorms in Europe, the share of insured losses was very high, totalling US$ 3.1bn ( 2.3bn).
Natural catastrophes in Australia/Oceania gave rise to around 16% of global losses. The costliest event was the
earthquake which occurred on 4 September in Christchurch, the third-largest city in New Zealand. Overall and insured
losses were in the billions here as well. In Australia, there were two severe hailstorm losses, each of which caused
overall losses of well over US$ 1bn in March.
Volcano on Iceland paralyses air traffic

Another, quite different natural hazard event in 2010 demonstrated the vulnerability of the networked global economy:
the eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajkull on Iceland in April. Owing to the dust particles thrown into the atmosphere, air
traffic over northern Europe remained virtually paralysed for days. There was hardly any direct damage, but interruptions
in supplies of important goods to industrial firms meant that gradually more and more sectors of the economy were
affected. The event ended up costing the airlines billions.
"This volcanic eruption is an example of a case where insurance could have cushioned the effects of a natural hazard
event for the economy. In principle, the consequential costs for the airlines would have been insurable. Munich Re sees
itself as a pioneer in devising insurance solutions on the boundaries of insurability, including cover for business
interruption due to natural hazards", said Board member Jeworrek.
Powered by
18
It is not yet possible to put an exact figure on the extreme floods in northeastern Australia. Since the beginning of
December many places have been submerged under water and cut off from the outside world. Many mines have had to
stop operations. Heavy rain in this region is nothing unusual and such weather patterns are accentuated by the
prevailing La Nia conditions.


Tel.: +49 (89) 3891-2934

Tel.: +852 2536 6936

Tel.: +1 609 243 4339
proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2009, the Group
which pursues an integrated business model consisting of insurance and reinsurance achieved a profit of 2.56bn
on premium income of around 41bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 47,000 employees throughout the
world. With premium income of around 25bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers.
Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. The primary
insurance operations are mainly concentrated in the ERGO Insurance Group. With premium income of over 17bn,
ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Germany and Europe. 40 million clients in over 30 countries place their
trust in the services and security it provides. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and
reinsurance operations, as well as related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Res global investments
amounting to 182bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional
investors outside the Group.
Disclaimer
Munich, 3 January 2011
Media Relations
Powered by
19
Kniginstrasse 107
80802 Munich
Germany
Video statement Prof. Peter Hppe
(Windows Media, 142 MB, ZIP)

(PDF, 79 KB)
Munich RE NatCatSERVICE
The figures of The figures of Average of the last Average of the last
the year 2010 the year 2009 10 years 2000-2009 30 years 1980-2009
Number of events 950 900 785 615
Overall losses
130,000 60,000 110,000 95,000
(US$m)
Insured losses
37,000 22,000 35,000 23,000
(US$m)
Fatalities 295,000 11,000 77,000 66,000
Country/
Date Event Fatalities Overall losses US$m
Insured losses US$m
Region
Earthquake,
27.2.2010 Chile 520 30,000 8,000
tsunami
July Sept.
Pakistan Floods 1,760 9,500 25
2010
12.1.2010 Haiti Earthquake 222,570 8,000 200
Powered by
20
Winter Storm
26-28.2.2010 Europe 65 6,100 3,100
Xynthia
June 2010 China Floods 260 6,100
Country/
Date Event Fatalities Overall losses US$m
Insured losses US$m
Region
Earthquake,
27.2.2010 Chile 520 30,000 8,000
tsunami
Earthquake (Preliminary
3.9.2010 New Zealand estimation 3,700* 3,300*
October 2010)
Winter Storm
26-28.2.2010 Europe 65 6,100 3,100
Xynthia
Severe storm,
12-16.5.2010 USA 3 2,700 2,000
hail
Severe storm,
4-6.10.2010 USA 2,000 1,450
tornadoes
*Loss estimation in progress
12.1.2010 Haiti Earthquakes 222,570
July Sept. 2010 Russia Heat wave, forest fires 56,000
13.4.2010 China Earthquake 2,700
July Sept. 2010 Pakistan Floods 1,760
7.8.2010 China Landslides, flash floods 1,470
2011 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Geo Risks Research, NatCatSERVICE
Powered by
21
Few major natural catastrophe losses in 2009 General trend confirmed
by large number of weather extremes
29 December 2009 | Reinsurance
Preface
Natural catastrophe losses were far lower in 2009 than in 2008 due to the absence on the whole of major catastrophes
and a very benign North Atlantic hurricane season. However, the total number of destructive natural hazard events was
above the long-term average, 850 being recorded in all. Consequently, despite the lack of really disastrous events, there
were substantial economic losses of US$ 50bn and insured losses amounted to US$ 22bn compared with economic
losses of US$ 200bn and insured losses of US$ 50bn in the previous year.
By way of further comparison, the average number of natural hazard events with relevant losses over the past ten years
was approximately 770 per annum. Economic losses came to around US$ 115bn on average and insured losses
US$ 36bn. There were some 75,000 deaths per year due to natural catastrophes on average. Not only were the losses
but also the death toll from natural catastrophes in 2009 around 10,000 was well below average.
"However, we should make no mistake: despite the lack of severe hurricanes and other megacatastrophes, there was a
large number of moderately severe natural catastrophes. In particular, the trend towards an increase in weather-related
catastrophes continues, whilst there has fundamentally been no change in the risk of geophysical events such as
earthquakes", said Prof. Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Res Geo Risks Research.
What is noticeable about the 2009 loss statistics is the high level of individual severe-weather losses in the USA, three
events alone each causing insured losses of over US$ 1bn. In all, severe weather events accounted for 45% of global
insured losses. In the USA, losses due to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail, torrential rain or tornados rose in
the decades between 1980 and the present from US$ 4bn to US$ 10bn a year on average, taking inflation into account.
"Initial analyses indicate that, apart from socio-economic factors, this is already due in part to climate change", Prof.
Hppe reported.
Winter Storm Klaus, which hit northern Spain and southwest France between 23 and 25 January with winds of up to
195 km/h, ranked as the costliest single event of 2009. It produced metre-high waves on the Atlantic coast and caused
loss and damage to numerous buildings and vehicles. Over a million people suffered power cuts. In Spain, a large
number of photovoltaic systems were damaged. Although the area affected was relatively small by winter-storm
standards, insured losses nevertheless came to US$ 3bn (2.4bn) and economic losses to US$ 5.1bn (4bn).
An earthquake that shook the Indonesian island of Sumatra on 30 September claimed the highest death toll of 2009.
Although the magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred 80 kilometres below ground, tens of thousands of houses collapsed in
the city of Padang, 45 kilometres from its epicentre, and in the surrounding area. Nearly 1,200 people were killed.
Storms in Asia also caused many deaths, the Philippines being the worst affected, although Vietnam and Taiwan were
also hit when three severe typhoons (Morakot, Ketsana, Parma) struck, causing widespread destruction and claiming
over 1,700 lives.
Powered by
22
By contrast, the North Atlantic hurricane season was benign. Although warm water temperatures in the tropical North
Atlantic produced conditions favouring an above-average hurricane season, only nine named storms were recorded,
three reaching hurricane force. The figures were thus not only well below the average for the warm phase that has
persisted since the mid-1990s (14.3 named storms, 7.5 hurricanes) but also below the long-term average (10.8 named
storms).
According to initial assessments, the El Nio phenomenon is likely to have had a mitigating effect on cyclone formation.
In El Nio conditions, upper-atmosphere wind speeds over the Atlantic change, impeding the formation of cyclones.
"The long-term hurricane risk is not apparent from a single season. Many experts are convinced that climate change has
already increased hurricane exposure", said Hppe. Munich Re continues to assume that hurricane activity over the next
few years will fluctuate around the average for the North Atlantic warm phase, which has now lasted for some 15 years.
In the Indian Ocean and West Pacific, this years tropical storm season was also slightly below average. Nevertheless,
the year ended with a super-cyclone that battered Australias northwest coast just before Christmas. For a time, Cyclone
Laurence was upgraded to the maximum level, Category 5. However, the regions in its path were for the most part
uninhabited. If a town had been hit, the losses would probably have been substantial, but fortunately there was relatively
little property damage.
Torsten Jeworrek, Munich Re Board member responsible for global reinsurance business, drew attention to the marked
increase in major weather-related natural catastrophes worldwide since 1950, the number now having more or less
tripled. Economic losses from weather-related natural catastrophes in the period since 1980 totalled approximately
US$ 1,600bn (in original values). "Climate change probably already accounts for a significant share. In the light of these
facts, it is very disappointing that no breakthrough was achieved at the Copenhagen climate summit in December 2009.
At Munich Re, we look closely at a multitude of risks and how best to handle them. Risks that change in the course of
time are especially hazardous. Climate change is just such a risk of change."
Losses caused by climate change will continue to increase in the future. Jeworrek: "We need as soon as possible an
agreement that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions because the climate reacts slowly and what we fail to
do now will have a bearing for decades to come."
Consequently, Munich Re will now drive forward its own initiatives with even greater commitment investments of up to
2bn in renewable energy, for instance, or the Desertec desert-power project. "We will do our utmost to ensure that Dii
GmbH, the Desertec project planning entity, can put forward finished plans in the next three years. Munich Re will, of
course, also be involved in their implementation as an investor and insurer", Jeworrek added.


Tel.: +49 (89) 38 91-29 34

Tel.: +1 609 243 4339
Powered by
23
proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2008, the Group
which pursues an integrated business model consisting of insurance and reinsurance achieved a profit of 1.5bn on
premium income of around 38bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 44,000 employees throughout the
world. With premium income of around 22bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers.
Especially when clients seek solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. The primary
insurance operations are mainly concentrated in the ERGO Insurance Group. With premium income of over 17bn,
ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Europe and Germany. It is the market leader in Europe in health and
legal expenses insurance. and 40 million clients in over 30 countries place their trust in the services and security it
provides. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as
related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Re's global investments amounting to 175bn are managed by
MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.
Disclaimer
Munich, 29 December 2009
Media Relations
Kniginstrae 107
80802 Mnchen
Germany

(PDF, 16 KB)
Country/ Overall losses Insured

Region US$ m losses US$ m
Winter Storm
23-25.1.2009 France, Spain 26 5,100 3,000
Klaus
Tornadoes,
10-13.2.2009 United States 15 2,500 1,350
severe storms
Powered by
24
6.4.2009 Italy Earthquakes 295 2,500 260
Tornadoes,
10-18.6.2009 United States 1 2,000 1,100
severe storms
30.9/1.10.2009 Indonesia Earthquakes 1,195 2,000 <50
Hailstorms,
23-24.7.2009 Europe 11 1,800 1,200
severe storms
Tornadoes,
9-11.4.2009 United States 9 1,700 1,150
severe storms
China,
Typhoon
7-10.8.2009 Philippines, 614 1,600 110
Morakot
Taiwan
Severe storms,
25-26.3.2009 United States hailstorms, 1,500 995
tornadoes
Wildfires
7-28.2.2009 Australia 173 1,300 770
Victoria

Winter Storm
23-25.1.2009 France, Spain 26 5,100 3,000
Klaus
Tornadoes,
10-13.2.2009 United States 15 2,500 1,350
severe storms
Hailstorms,
23-24.7.2009 Europe 11 1,800 1,200
severe storms
Tornadoes,
9-11.4.2009 United States 9 1,700 1,150
severe storms
Tornadoes,
10-18.6.2009 United States 1 2,000 1,100
severe storms
Severe storms,
25-26.3.2009 United States hailstorms, 1,500 995
tornadoes
Powered by
25
Severe storms,
20-21.7.2009 United States 1 1,000 800
hailstorms
Wildfires
7-28.2.2009 Australia 173 1,300 770
Victoria
8-9.10.2009 Japan Typhoon Melor 4 1,000 625
Tornadoes,
7-9.5.2009 United States 7 850 600
severe storms
30.9/1.10.2009 Indonesia Earthquakes 1,195
South East Asia, East

26-30.9.2009 Typhoon Ketsana 694
Asia
7-10.8.2009 China, Philippines, Taiwan Typhoon Morakot 614
South East Asia, East

3-14.10.2009 Typhoon Parma 469
Asia
25-27.5.2009 Bangladesh, Bhutan, India Cyclone Aila 320
29.9.-15.10.2009 India Floods 300
6.4.2009 Italy Earthquakes 295
21.8-15.9.2009 India Floods 223
Aug-Sep 2009 West Africa, Central Africa Floods 215
El Salvador, Nicaragua,
4-13.11.2009 Hurricane Ida 204
Mexico, United States
2009 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft, GeoRisikoForschung, NatCatSERVICE

(PDF, 161 KB)
Powered by
26
World Map
Insured Losses US $22bn - Percentage Distribution Per Continent
Catastrophe figures for 2008 confirm that climate agreement is urgently

needed
Preface
A large number of tropical cyclones and the earthquake in Sichuan made 2008 one of the most devastating years on
record. Although there was a drop in the number of loss-producing events compared with the previous year (from 960
to 750), individual catastrophes pushed up the numbers of victims and the losses appreciably. Throughout the world,
more than 220,000 people died as a result of natural catastrophes this year. Overall losses totalled some US$ 200bn
(2007: US$ 82bn) but were still below the record set in 2005 (US$ 232bn in current values). Insured losses in 2008 rose
to US$ 45bn, about 50% higher than in the previous year.
Powered by
27
Driven by high losses from weather-related natural catastrophes, 2008 was on the basis of figures adjusted for
inflation the third most expensive year on record, exceeded only by the hurricane year of 2005 and by 1995, the year
of the Kobe earthquake. Torsten Jeworrek, member of Munich Re's Board of Management: "This continues the long-
term trend we have been observing. Climate change has already started and is very probably contributing to
increasingly frequent weather extremes and ensuing natural catastrophes. These, in turn, generate greater and greater
losses because the concentration of values in exposed areas, like regions on the coast, is also increasing further
throughout the world." Munich Re is a world leader in terms of investigating risks from natural hazards of all kinds. "2008
has again shown how important it is for us to analyse risks like climate change in all their facets and to manage the
business accordingly," said Jeworrek.
Some of the main events in detail

In 2008, Asia was again the continent affected by the worst human catastrophes. Cyclone Nargis is estimated to have
claimed the lives of more than 135,000 people in Myanmar: 85,000 deaths have been officially confirmed, whilst
54,000 people are still missing. With very high wind speeds, record rainfalls, and a storm surge, the tropical storm
caused devastation primarily in the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta and in the old capital, Rangoon. Since large parts of the
mangrove forests a natural form of coastal protection have disappeared in recent years, there was nothing to
prevent storm surge travelling as far as 40 km inland. The country was inundated with water up to 3.5 metres deep, and
more than a million of Myanmars inhabitants were made homeless.
The earthquake that hit the Chinese province of Sichuan, a region classified as being highly exposed to earthquake, was
a further human catastrophe. According to official statistics, around 70,000 people were killed, 18,000 are still missing,
374,000 were injured, and almost five million were made homeless. At the same time, the Sichuan quake which
occurred in May also produced the largest single overall loss of 2008. The total figure of US$ 85bn made it the second
most expensive event of its kind after the Kobe earthquake (Japan, 1995).
Earlier in the year, China had already suffered enormous losses amounting to more than US$ 21bn due to an unusual
cold spell with huge volumes of ice and snow. These had a major impact on the infrastructure in 18 provinces: roads and
railways were blocked and in some places destroyed, and the electricity supply collapsed.
In terms of insured losses, Hurricane Ike was the most expensive individual event in 2008. Whereas in the previous two
years, the US mainland had largely been spared by heavy cyclones, the 2008 hurricane season generated substantial
losses which also affected the insurance industry. Six tropical cyclones (Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike)
reached the US coast in close succession this year, the severest being Ike, which made landfall as a Category 2
hurricane near Galveston (Texas). The storm surge triggered by Ike submerged large sections of the Texas and
Louisiana coast. As the storm progressed over the mainland, extreme precipitation caused more and more damage,
resulting in an insured loss estimated at US$ 15bn (not including the claims covered under the National Flood Insurance
Program). The overall loss caused by Ike was US$ 30bn. The years second most expensive hurricane was Gustav, with
an overall loss of US$ 10bn and an insured loss of US$ 5bn.
The number of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic in 2008 was much higher than the long-term average and also
higher than the average of the current warm phase since 1995, which is more pronounced as a result of climate change.
A total of 16 tropical cyclones were counted during the year; the average for the warm phase so far is 14.7. Eight of
these windstorms reached hurricane strength, five of them being classified as major hurricanes (Categories 35). In
Powered by
28
terms of both the total number of storms and the number of major hurricanes, 2008 is the fourth most severe hurricane
season since reliable data have been available. The tornado season in the United States, which runs from April to
September, was also unusually severe. There were roughly 1,700 tornadoes in 2008, generating an aggregated loss of
several billion US dollars.
According to provisional estimates published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2008 was the tenth
warmest year since the beginning of routine temperature recording and the eighth warmest in the northern hemisphere.
This means that the ten warmest years ever recorded have all occurred in the last 12 years. "It is now very probable that
the progressive warming of the atmosphere is due to the greenhouse gases emitted by human activity. The logic is
clear: when temperatures increase, there is more evaporation and the atmosphere has a greater capacity to absorb
water vapour, with the result that its energy content is higher. The weather machine runs in top gear, bringing more
intense severe weather events with corresponding effects in terms of losses. This relationship is already visible today in
the increasing heavy precipitation events in many regions of the earth, the heat waves, and the hurricanes in the North
Atlantic. The loss statistics for 2008 fit the pattern that the calculations of climate models lead us to expect," said Prof.
Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Res Geo Risks Research.
Compared with the devastation that natural catastrophes caused in Asia and America in 2008, the losses in Europe
were relatively moderate. Nevertheless, there were also two events in Europe that generated billion-dollar losses for the
insurance industry. At the beginning of March, an intense low-pressure system named Emma swept across large parts
of central Europe with very high wind speeds, thunderstorms, and hail; in Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Austria, it caused an overall loss of US$ 2bn, of which US$ 1.5bn was insured.
Hilal, a low-pressure storm that crossed southwestern Germany (especially Baden-Wrttemberg) at the end of May and
the beginning of June, caused major damage due to strong gusts, hailstorms, and flash floods. With an insured loss of
US$ 1.1bn, Hilal was the seventh most expensive natural catastrophe in the global statistics for the year.
Board member Dr. Torsten Jeworrek: "For us as a leading reinsurer, the natural catastrophe trends of recent years have
resulted in three action strategies, which we are resolutely pursuing. Firstly, we accept risks in our core business only at
risk-adequate prices, so that if the exposure situation changes, we adjust the pricing structure. Secondly, with our
expertise we develop new business opportunities in the context of climate protection and adaptation measures. Thirdly,
in the international debate, we as a company press for effective and binding rules on CO 2emissions, so that climate
change is curbed and future generations do not have to live with weather scenarios that are difficult to control." Munich
Re performs scientific analyses on the effects of climate change and cooperates with many scientific institutes. In 2008,
Munich Re launched a cooperation with Professor Lord Nicholas Stern and the London School of Economics (LSE), the
aim being to advance research into the economic impact of climate change.
Munich Re actively supports ambitious climate protection goals. This approach also opens up enormous opportunities
because of the new technologies that emerge with very large growth potential. As a risk carrier with innovative coverage
concepts in the field of alternative sources of energy (wind, solar, geothermal), Munich Re promotes these technologies
and thus secures additional business potentials for itself. Board member Dr. Torsten Jeworrek: "The next climate summit
in Copenhagen must quite clearly fix the route for reducing greenhouse gases by at least 50% by 2050 with
corresponding milestones. If we delay too long, it will be very costly for future generations."
Powered by
29
Munich Re assigns natural catastrophes to one of six categories for assessment purposes. The annual list includes all
events with more than ten fatalities and/or losses running into millions.
Service: As of January 2009, graphs and tables derived from current analyses of natural catastrophes will be available
at our NatCatSERVICE Downloadcenter www.munichre.com/geo.

Media Relations Munich, Alexander Mohanty

Tel.: +49 (89) 38 91-98 96

Tel.: +852 2536 6936
Media contact in the USA, Bob Kinsella

Tel.: +1 609 419 8527
The Munich Re Group operates worldwide, turning risk into value. In the financial year 2007, it achieved a profit of
3,937m, the highest since the company was founded in 1880, on premium income of approximately 37bn. The Group
operates in all lines of business, with around 43,000 employees at over 50 locations throughout the world and is
characterised by particularly pronounced diversification, client focus and earnings stability. With premium income of
around 21.5bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Its primary insurance operations are
mainly concentrated in the ERGO Insurance Group. With premium income of over 17bn, ERGO is one of the largest
insurance groups in Europe and Germany. It is the market leader in Europe in health and legal expenses insurance, and
34 million clients in over 30 countries place their trust in the services and security it provides. The global investments of
the Munich Re Group amounting to 176bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to
private and institutional investors outside the Group.
Disclaimer
Media Relations
Kniginstrae 107
Powered by
30
80802 Mnchen
Germany

(PDF, 79 KB)
Mnchener Rck NatCatSERVICE
Country/ Overall Insured

Region losses US$ m losses US$ m
12.5.08 China Earthquake 70,000 85,000 300
614.9.2008 Caribbean, USA Hurricane Ike 129 30,000 15,000
10.113.2.2008 China Winter damage 129 21,100 1,600
Hurricane
21.83.9.2008 Caribbean, USA 100 10,000 5,000
Gustav
June 2008 USA Floods 24 10,000 500
25.5.2008 Myanmar Cyclone Nargis 84,500 4,000
May - June China Floods 170 2,100
13.24.11.2008 USA Wildfires 2,000 600
Winter storm
12.3.2008 Europe 14 2,000 1,500
Emma
2226.5.2008 USA Tornadoes 12 1,600 1,325

614.9.2008 Caribbean, USA Hurricane Ike 129 30,000 15,000
Hurricane
21.83.9.2008 Caribbean, USA 100 10,000 5,000
Gustav
Powered by
31
10.113.2.2008 China Winter damage 129 21,100 1,600
Winter Storm
12.3.2008 Europe 14 2,000 1,500
Emma
2226.5.2008 USA Tornadoes 12 1,600 1,325
Severe storms,
29.51.6.2008 USA 1,500 1,100
floods
Severe storms,
29.52.6.2008 Germany 3 1,300 1,100
flash floods
56.2.2008 USA Tornadoes 50 1,300 955
1118.2.2008 Australia Floods 2 1,000 890
Severe storms,
911.4.2008 USA 3 1,100 800
tornadoes
Date Country/Region Event Fatalities Missing
25.5.2008 Myanmar Cyclone Nargis 84,500 50,000
12.5.2008 China Earthquake 70,000 18,000
Afghanistan,
January 2008 Kyrgyzstan, Cold wave 1,000
Tajikistan
India, Nepal,
15.811.9.2008 Floods 635
Bangladesh
1825.6.2008 China, Philippines Typhoon Fengshen 557 26
28/29.10.2008 Pakistan Earthquakes 300
8.9.08 China Rock-/Landslide 277
China, Laos, Tropical storm

August 2008 211 70
Vietnam Kammuri
2425.10.2008 Yemen Floods 184 100
Powered by
32
25.113.12.2008 India, Sri Lanka Cyclone Nisha 180
2008 NatCatSERVICE, Munich Re

(PDF, 280 KB)
Natural catastrophe figures for 2007: Higher losses despite absence of

megacatastrophes, very many loss events
Overall economic losses of US$ 75bn / Board member Dr. Torsten Jeworrek: Loss figures in line with the rising trend in
natural catastrophes, Munich Re is prepared
Preface
The insurance industry had to cope with far higher natural catastrophe losses in 2007 than in 2006, with its unusually
low loss figures. Despite the general absence of extreme events, overall economic losses had reached US$ 75bn by the
end of December an increase of 50% on 2006 (US$ 50bn). However, the loss figures were well short of 2005s record
US$ 220bn. At just under US$ 30bn, insured losses were almost double those of 2006 (US$ 15bn). The number of
natural catastrophes recorded in 2007 was 950 (compared with 850 in 2006), the highest figure since 1974, when
Munich Re began keeping systematic records in its NatCatService database.
Board member Dr. Torsten Jeworrek: "The figures confirm our expectations and endorse our insistence that risks be
consistently written at adequate prices, despite years with comparatively low losses as in 2006. The trend in respect of
Powered by
33
weather extremes shows that climate change is already taking effect and that more such extremes are to be expected in
the future. We should not be misled by the absence of megacatastrophes in 2007."
Details
The worst human catastrophes of 2007 occurred, as so often the case, in developing and emerging countries. Storms,
floods and landslides in various parts of Asia caused more than 11,000 deaths, around 3,300 attributable to Cyclone
Sidr alone, which struck Bangladesh in November.
The most severe events in terms of insured losses occurred in Europe. The insurance industrys costliest natural
catastrophe was Winter Storm Kyrill, the climax of an above-average winter storm season, which developed on
17 January from a low-pressure system over the mid-Atlantic. With wind speeds far exceeding 100 km/h and peak
gusts of over 200 km/h it wrought havoc across Europe as far as Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria on 18 and
19 January.
Kyrill caused overall economic losses of some US$ 10bn, with insured losses of around US$ 5.8bn. It was the second
most expensive such event in Europe after Winter Storm Lothar (December 1999), which had higher wind speeds but at
the same time involved a much more limited geographical area. A noticeable feature of Kyrill was that widespread areas
of Europe experienced sustained high wind speeds.
Among the countries worst hit was Germany, with more than half the insured losses. Over 1.5 million individual losses
were reported many relatively small in scale, such as roof damage. The east of Germany suffered particularly heavy
losses in the area where hailstorms and tornadoes formed along the cold front associated with the storm.
The insurance industry faced an even greater aggregate loss albeit from consecutive events as a result of two floods
in England during the summer. From June to August, precipitation levels in England and Wales were the highest since
records began in 1914. Central and northeast England experienced twice the normal rainfall. Losses from the events in
June were comparable to those sustained three weeks later in July, some counties being affected on both occasions.
Overall economic losses were around US$ 4bn for each event, of which US$ 3bn were insured in each case.
Prof. Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Re's Geo Risks Research Department: "These events cannot, of course, be
attributed solely to climate change, but they are in line with the pattern that we can expect in the long term: severe
storms, more heavy rainfall and a greater tendency towards flooding, including in Germany." In view of the steadily rising
losses, Munich Re has, for some considerable time, been calling for firm action to address the causes of climate change
and adapt to changes that cannot be avoided. Prof. Hppe noted that "the Bali Roadmap, which launched negotiations
to find a successor to the Kyoto Protocol by 2009 and also indirectly established the corresponding parameter data, is a
welcome and positive step".
The year 2007 also numbers among the warmest years since routine measurements began. According to data
published by the Hadley Centre in the UK for the period up to December, 2007 was the seventh warmest year on record
worldwide and the second warmest in the northern hemisphere. This means that the 11 warmest years worldwide have
been recorded during the last 13 years.
Losses due to the North Atlantic hurricane season were relatively low, although the general situation had initially
indicated the likelihood of a more severe course of events. Despite 15 named storms in all, in keeping with the average
Powered by
34
for the current warm phase that goes back to 1995, the number of hurricane-force storms (five) was below the average
(eight). This is due to lower-than-expected water surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and the counteracting
effects of air-current conditions in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
The relatively low losses can be explained by the tracks of the hurricanes, no major hurricanes reaching the US
mainland, as in 2006. The most severe, Hurricane Dean, made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane (the highest category)
on Mexicos Yucatan peninsula. With wind speeds of up to 270 km/h, it was comparable to Hurricanes Rita and Wilma in
2005. Dean caused severe damage in Yucatan and on the islands of the Caribbean, although the main tourist areas
were not as seriously affected.
Torsten Jeworrek: "All the facts indicate that losses caused by weather-related natural catastrophes will continue to rise.
As a leading reinsurer, we are ready to deal with this. Ultimately, however, it is society as a whole which bears the cost
in the form of higher insurance premiums or infrastructure repairs financed by taxes. That is why speedy international
action is needed. In addition, climate protection can bring huge economic opportunities, thanks to new technologies and
increased energy efficiency. This will primarily benefit companies that are swift to act. As we have proved by years of
research and new insurance products for renewable energy plants, for instance, we are determined to be among them."
In terms of overall economic losses, the most expensive event was the earthquake that struck the Niigata prefecture in
Japan on 16 July. Insured losses from the medium-strength (magnitude 6.6) quake were not significant, but economic
losses were in the order of US$ 12.5bn. The heavy losses show the economys susceptibility when natural catastrophes
strike. The worlds largest nuclear power plant, close to the city of Kashiwazaki, was damaged, small quantities of
radioactive material escaping into the environment. The earthquake also affected a major automotive component
supplier, resulting in a production shortfall of 120,000 vehicles for car manufacturers.
Munich Re assigns natural catastrophes to one of six categories for assessment purposes. The annual list includes all
events with more than ten fatalities and/or losses running into millions.
The Munich Re Group operates worldwide, turning risk into value. In the financial year 2006, it achieved a profit of
3,519m, the highest since the company was founded in 1880, on premium income of approximately 37bn. The Group
operates in all lines of business, with around 37,000 employees at over 50 locations throughout the world and is
characterised by particularly pronounced diversification, client focus and earnings stability. With premium income of
around 22bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Its primary insurance operations are
mainly concentrated in the ERGO Insurance Group. With premium income of almost 17bn, ERGO is one of the largest
insurance groups in Europe and Germany. It is the market leader in Europe in health and legal expenses insurance, and
33 million clients in 25 countries place their trust in the services and security it provides. The global investments of the
Munich Re Group amounting to 177bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private
and institutional investors outside the Group.
Disclaimer
Powered by
35
Note for editorial departments:
In case of enquiries, please contact Dr. Christian Lawrence on +49 (89) 38 91-54 00 or Michael Able
on +49 (89) 38 91-29 34 .
signed Dr. Jeworrek signed Dr. Lawrence

(PDF, 11 KB)

16.7.2007 Japan Earthquake 11 12,500 300
Winter Storm
1820.1.2007 Europe 49 10,000 5,800
Kyrill
JuneAug 2007 China Floods 650 6,800
June 2007 United Kingdom Floods 4 4,000 3,000
July 2007 United Kingdom Floods 1 4,000 3,000
48.6.2007 Oman Cyclone Gonu 70 3,900 650
28.106.11.2007 Mexico Floods 22 3,000 700
October 2007 USA Wildfires 8 2,500 1,900
Bangladesh,
1517.11.2007 Cyclone Sidr 3,300 2,300
India
1317.4.2007 USA Winter storm 23 2,000 1,566
Powered by
36

Winter Storm
1820.1.2007 Europe 49 10,000 5,800
Kyrill
June 2007 United Kingdom Floods 4 4,000 3,000
July 2007 United Kingdom Floods 1 4,000 3,000
October 2007 USA Wildfires 8 2,500 1,900
1317.4.2007 USA Winter storm 23 2,000 1,566
810.6.2007 Australia Severe weather 9 1,700 1,150
Caribbean,
1723.8.2007 Hurricane Dean 36 1,500 1,000
Mexico
68.9.2007 Japan Typhoon Fitow 3 1,000 700
28.106.11.2007 Mexico Floods 22 3,000 700
48.6.2007 Oman Cyclone Gonu 70 3,900 650
1517.11.2007 Bangladesh, India Cyclone Sidr 3,300
Bangladesh, India, Nepal,

JulySept 2007 Floods 3,000
Bhutan
JuneAug 2007 China Floods 650
15.8.2007 Peru Earthquake 595
7.26.8.2007 North Korea Severe weather, floods 450
Aug/Sept 2007 West Africa, North Africa Floods 400
26.62.7.2007 Pakistan Cyclone Yemyin 380
Powered by
37
June 2007 India, Pakistan Floods 300
Bandgladesh, India,
January 2007 Cold wave 290
Nepal, Pakistan
17.8.2007 China Flash floods 180

(PDF, 17 KB)

Number of Total Insured

Year Victims Major events
events losses: Original losses: Original
values (US$ m) values (US$ m)
Earthquake
1994 680 13,000 89,000 21,000
Northridge
Earthquake
1995 615 20,800 172,000 16,000 Kobe, floods
North Korea
Floods UK,
2000 890 10,300 38,000 9,600 Typhoon
Saomai
Tropical Storm
2001 720 25,000 40,000 12,000 Allison,
hailstorm USA
2002 700 11,000 60,000 14,000 Floods Europe
Heatwave
Europe,
2003 700 109,000 65,000 16,000
earthquake
Bam/Iran
Powered by
38
Hurricanes
Atlantic,
2004 650 235,000 150,000 47,000
typhoons Japan,
tsunami
Hurricanes
Atlantic,
2005 670 101,000 220,000 99,000
earthquake
Pakistan
Earthquake
2006 850 20,000 50,000 15,000 Yogyakarta/
Indonesia
Winter Storm
2007 950 15,000 75,000 30,000
Kyrill, floods UK
December 2007 NatCatSERVICE, Geo Risks Research, Munich Re
Overall balance of natural catastrophe losses in 2006: Weather

phenomena curb development of hurricanes but no grounds for
complacency
Board member Torsten Jeworrek: Concentration of values and number of natural catastrophes are set to increase still
further, loss potentials will rise / At US$ 45bn, economic losses from natural catastrophes considerably lower than last
year
Preface
The insurance industry was largely spared major losses from natural catastrophes in 2006, unlike in the previous two
years, when hurricanes such as Katrina caused record losses. Economic losses up to the end of December totalled
US$ 45bn, around one-fifth of the previous years figure of US$ 219bn, and insured losses amounted to US$ 15bn, less
than one-sixth of the total in 2005 (US$ 99bn). This relatively positive outcome can be ascribed to the absence of major
hurricanes in the North Atlantic.
Dr. Torsten Jeworrek, member of Munich Res Board of Management: "The fact nevertheless remains that, in the longer
term, the number of severe weather-related natural catastrophes is set to increase due, among other things, to global
warming. Combined with further increasing concentrations of values in exposed areas, this means continually rising loss
potentials. Even apparently contradictory events in Europe, such as the huge snow-pressure losses at the beginning of
2006 and the extremely warm start to this winter, with the potential for severe winter storms, fit into this pattern."
Powered by
39
At the end of the year, the Indonesian province of Aceh was hit by heavy storms and floods. Up to now, at least 100
people have died and over 200 more are reported missing. However, it will only be possible to estimate the real extent of
the damage when the floodwaters have receded. Two years ago, the province was the region most badly affected by the
tsunami catastrophe in Southeast Asia, 160,000 people perishing in this area alone. An earthquake off Taiwan and
tornadoes in Florida during the Christmas holiday period did not give rise to large losses, according to initial estimates.
A detailed look at exceptional natural catastrophes in 2006

January to March: Record snow-pressure losses in Austria, hundreds die amid freezing temperatures in Eastern
Europe
20 March: Warning signs for Australia; strongest cyclone on record causes insured losses of US$ 400m in sparsely
populated area
27 May: Earthquake on Java results in unexpectedly great destruction, showing the vulnerability of Southeast Asian
conurbations. More than 5,000 lose their lives
28 June: US$ 300m in insured losses following a severe hailstorm in the Black Forest region
Billion-dollar losses due to tornadoes in the United States; mini-tornadoes in London, Hamburg and Nuremberg
demonstrate the loss potentials in big cities also in Europe
North Atlantic: Small number of hurricanes in 2006 does not contradict the trend
The North Atlantic hurricane season brought far fewer storms this year; the insurance industry sustained its lowest
losses since 2000. Ultimately, insured losses due to tropical cyclones amounted to US$ 250m compared with some
US$ 87bn from last years unparalleled hurricane series.
Only three tropical cyclones caused substantial losses in 2006, as against the previous years 17. Exceptional
meteorological factors accounted for the lower level of hurricane activity. Dust particles blown from the Sahara to the
area where hurricanes develop absorbed solar radiation, warming and dehumidifying the layer of air at medium altitude.
This hindered the formation of cyclones, particularly in August. In October, the El Nio phenomenon in the Pacific had a
curbing effect. On the other hand, in September, prior to this El Nio effect, there were four hurricanes. Many storms
were steered away into the Atlantic without reaching the mainland.
High ocean temperatures, up to one degree above the long-term average, had been expected to increase the number of
cyclones. According to World Meteorological Organization estimates, 2006 was the sixth-warmest year ever recorded in
terms of air temperature, and it was even the fourth warmest in the northern hemisphere. This means that both globally
and for the northern hemisphere, the ten warmest years on record occurred during the period 1995 2006.
"No one seriously disputes climate change any more. In the long term, it will be a factor which increases the number of
severe natural catastrophes," said Prof. Peter Hppe, Head of Munich Res Geo Risks Research. Due to the prolonged
cyclical warm phase in the North Atlantic, which is reinforced by global warming, Munich Re believes that in the next one
to two decades the number of hurricanes will exceed the mean for the years 19502006 (annual average: ten named
cyclones, six of hurricane force).
Powered by
40
Asia: Greater tropical storm losses
In Asia, cyclones caused worse destruction than in the previous year, with insured losses of US$ 1.5bn and economic
losses of US$ 15bn. By far the most devastating tropical storm was Typhoon Shanshan, which swept across Japan and
Korea between 16 and 19 September with wind speeds of up to 145 kilometres per hour, causing insured losses of
US$ 1.2bn.
Cyclone Larry, which struck the sparsely populated north Queensland coast on 20 March with wind speeds of up to 290
kilometres per hour, is believed to be a sign of things to come: it was the most severe tropical storm ever recorded in
northern Australia. In some places, practically every building suffered damage. It was only thanks to the regions
relatively sparse population that the economic loss did not exceed US$1.1bn and the insured loss totalled US$ 400m. If
the storm had struck a major city such as Brisbane, the loss would have been much higher.
Further high earthquake death toll, surprising losses

The loss figures cannot begin to express the extent of the human tragedy. Worldwide, some 18,000 people died in 2006
as a result of natural events such as earthquakes, storms or floods in the previous year, more than 100,000 lost their
lives, primarily in the devastating earthquake that hit Pakistan and India on 8 October 2005.
In 2006, the natural catastrophe which caused the greatest number of deaths was again an earthquake. On 27 May, a
force 6.3 quake shook the densely populated but economically less developed region around the city of Yogyakarta on
the Indonesian island of Java. According to official statistics, 5,750 people were killed and about a million rendered
homeless in a matter of seconds. 154,000 houses were destroyed and the economic loss totalled US$ 3.1bn.
Both the extent of the damage and the evident vulnerability of relatively new buildings such as shopping centres and
hotels, despite adequate building regulations, are grounds for concern particularly since this was only a medium-
strength earthquake. Although the insured loss amounted to only US$ 35m (around 1% of the overall loss), it would
have been higher had it not been for the low insurance density. An earthquake on that scale causing similar destruction
in the equally earthquake-prone region around the capital Djakarta, where 40% of Indonesias entire insured values are
concentrated, would be more devastating in both human and insurance terms. Munich Re will unveil a new earthquake
risk model for the region in spring 2007, which will incorporate the latest findings from the area.
Floods strike once more in India

Further major flood losses for the Indian insurance industry illustrate the risks that also accompany rising concentrations
of values in emerging markets. Insured losses in August, mainly incurred in the western Indian state of Gujarat,
amounted to some US$ 350m. In the previous year, the extreme monsoon rains had caused an insured loss of some
three-quarters of a billion US dollars to the region around the city of Mumbai in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra
the most expensive natural catastrophe that Indias growing insurance industry had ever faced.
Powered by
41
Beginning of 2006: Central Europe buried in snow
In Europe, the natural event that caused the years greatest impact was an exceptionally snowy winter. From November
2005, huge amounts of snow fell over many parts of central Europe. In the months that followed, heavy layers of snow
accumulated on buildings as many places experienced further snowfalls alternating with only short thaws. In southern
Germany, Austria and parts of Eastern Europe, many roofs collapsed under the enormous weight, and thousands of
helpers desperately shovelled snow from the roofs of houses and other buildings. 15 people were killed when an ice rink
collapsed in Bad Reichenhall (southern Germany) on 2 January, although this was also significantly due to technical
defects.
In Austria, snow pressure accounted for almost US$ 400m in insured losses a very large loss for the Austrian
insurance industry, and the equivalent of nearly ten per cent of the annual property insurance premium income.
Both Europes exceptionally snowy winter conditions in 2005 and the warm start to the 2006 winter are in keeping with
the phenomenon of climate change. Apart from the trend towards warmer winters, there is also likely to be an increase
in weather extremes with a greater range of variation. In Germany, the largest individual loss was caused by a hailstorm
which hit the Black Forest region on 28 and 29 June, causing an insured loss in the order of US$ 300m.
The vulnerability and loss potentials of conurbations in particular were also illustrated by a number of tornado events in
Europe. Insured losses were not unduly high, amounting to several millions. Nonetheless, the tornadoes had reached
force two on the five-point Fujita Scale, with wind speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour. Tornadoes are usually short-
lived; in the cases mentioned, they cut a swathe of devastation a few hundred metres long in residential areas. The
damage caused indicates the enormous loss potential, especially in conurbations. Prof. Hppe: "They occur the world
over, spawned by severe thunderstorms, and are well nigh impossible to forecast."
During the Christmas period, tornadoes caused further losses in Florida a relatively uncommon event for this time of
year. One tornado struck just 60 kilometres from Orlando with its Disney World theme park. Munich Re has repeatedly
drawn attention to the risks that accompany concentrations of values under the rubric "Megacities Megarisks".
Loss potentials increase demand for reinsurance

Munich Re believes the rising loss potential from natural catastrophes will substantially increase demand for reinsurance
in the longer term. Board member Dr. Torsten Jeworrek: "We regard the price increases that followed the hurricane year
2005 as enduring. Constant improvements in modelling the growing catastrophe risks, combined with skilful risk
management, will enable us to provide cover at prices, terms and conditions commensurate with the risks."
The Munich Re Group operates worldwide, turning risk into value. In the business year 2005, it achieved a profit of
2,743m, the highest in its 126-year corporate history. In 2005, its premium income amounted to approximately 38bn
and its investments to around 177bn. The Group is characterised by particularly pronounced diversification. It has
approximately 38,000 employees in over 50 countries throughout the world and operates in all lines of insurance. With
premium income of around 22bn in the year 2005 from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Its
primary insurance operations are mainly concentrated in the ERGO Insurance Group, the second-largest provider in the
German primary insurance market and a leading player in several other European insurance markets both in health
insurance and legal expenses cover.
Powered by
42
Disclaimer

In case of enquiries, please contact Rainer Kppers on +49 (89) 38 91-25 04 or Michael Able on +49
(89) 38 91-29 34 .
Munich Re will publish its provisional figures for the business year 2006 on 28 February 2007 to ensure that the
information is available to shareholders and the public as soon as possible. You will receive a separate invitation to the
balance sheet press conference to be held on that day.
On 30 January 2007, Munich Re will issue a press release on the outcome of the 2006/07 renewal season in non-life
reinsurance.
signed Dr. Jeworrek signed Kppers

(PDF, 8 KB)

27.5.2006 Indonesia Earthquake 5,750 3,100 35
July-Aug 2006 India Floods 900 3,000 400
Severe weather,
13-15.4.2006 USA 1 2,500 1,700
tornadoes
Japan, South Typhoon

16-19.9.2006 10 2,500 1,200
Korea Shanshan
China,
Typhoon Bilis
12-18.7.2006 Philippines, >600 1,900
(Florita)
Taiwan
Powered by
43
Severe weather,
6-8.4.2006 USA 12 1,600 1,280
tornadoes
China, Typhoon
9-16.8.2006 >440 1,400 200
Philippines Saomai
Severe weather,
11-13.3.2006 USA 10 1,200 920
tornadoes
20.3.2006 Australia Cyclone Larry 1,100 400
Austria,
Jan-March Cold spell,
Germany, 1,000 500
2006 winter damage
Czech Republic

Severe weather,
13-15.4.2006 USA 1 2,500 1,700
tornadoes
Severe weather,
6-8.4.2006 USA 12 1,600 1,280
tornadoes
Japan, South Typhoon

16-19.9.2006 10 2,500 1,200
Korea Shanshan
Severe weather,
11-13.3.2006 USA 10 1,200 920
tornadoes
Severe weather,
23.8-25.8.2006 USA 800 560
hail
Severe weather,
2-3.4.2006 USA 28 700 500
tornadoes
Austria,
Jan-March Cold spell,
Germany, 1,000 500
2006 winter damage
Czech Republic
14.-17.12.2006 USA, Canada Winter storm 16 800 500
Juli-Aug 2006 India Floods 900 3,000 400
20.3.2006 Australia Cyclone Larry 1,100 400
Powered by
44
27.5.2006 Indonesia Earthquake 5,750
Aug-Sep 2006 Ethiopia Floods 1,000
Jan-Feb 2006 Eastern Europe Cold spell >900
July-Aug 2006 India Floods 900
30.11-4.12.2006 Philippines, Vietnam Typhoon Durian (Reming) >800
17.7.2006 Indonesia Tsunami 668
12-18.7.2006 China, Philippines, Taiwan Typhoon Bilis (Florita) >600
10-27.7.2006 North Korea, South Korea Floods, severe weather >550
9-16.8.2006 China, Philippines Typhoon Saomai >440
Bangladesh, India, Nepal,

1-15.1.2006 Cold spell >340
Pakistan
Natural catastrophes 2006 Comparison with previous years

(PDF, 22 KB)
See 2007 above
Two natural events play a prominent role in the 2005 catastrophe

figures: Devastating earthquake in Kashmir: More than 80,000 killed
and numerous people injured or homeless Hurricanes make 2005 the
costliest natural catastrophe year so far in insurance history
Despite the large volume of delayed Katrina claims notifications, Munich Re can still achieve its target result for 2005
and aims to increase its dividend by 55% to 3.10 / 18 April 2006: The centenary of the San Francisco earthquake
Powered by
45
29 December 2005 | Group | Reinsurance
Preface
The year 2005 began with the world still reeling from the tsunami which on 26 December 2004 had destroyed the
coastal strip and human settlements along many thousand kilometres around the Indian Ocean.
A high death toll numbering more than a hundred thousand victims, above all due to the catastrophic earthquake in
Kashmir on 8 October, and record losses for the insurance industry of over US$ 75bn dominate the natural catastrophe
year 2005. According to Munich Re estimates, Hurricane Katrina alone caused insured losses of some US$ 45bn,
forcefully underlining the increased risk from windstorms. Nevertheless, natural catastrophes will continue to be
insurable, assuming that prices and conditions keep pace with the increase in insured risks.
The unusually active and destructive hurricane season in 2005, with the storms Dennis, Emily, Katrina, and Rita (in the
3rd quarter) and finally Wilma, also hit Munich Re harder than previously foreseeable. Since the last estimate on 7
November, there has been a constant flow of further claims notifications and reports from loss adjusters. The impact of
these storms on the consolidated result after tax is now nearly 1.5bn. That figure adjusted to eliminate the net burden
from Wilma, which affected the 4th quarter is roughly 500m more than that announced in the reporting on the first
three quarters. The Group anticipates, before tax and after retrocessions, costs of just over 1.6bn from Katrina
(= 815m more than the previous estimate), an unchanged burden of more than 250m from Rita, and around 330m
from Wilma. The ultimate outcome is an impact of almost 2.3bn before tax and after retrocessions. However, this figure
also includes more than 600m in IBNR reserves (provisions for incurred but not reported losses which Munich Re has
established specifically in view of the continued uncertainties).
Despite record losses from this series of natural catastrophes, the Munich Re Group can still maintain its result target
for 2005. The Board of Management intends to propose to the Supervisory Board and the AGM that the dividend per
share be increased by 1.10 to 3.10. Nikolaus von Bomhard, Chairman of Munich Re's Board of Management: "We
have decided on this substantial increase in the dividend because we want our shareholders to participate in the good
result. The results of our basic reinsurance and insurance business have been good, our primary insurers have
maintained their positive development, and further derisking of investments has led not only to the desired improvement
in the portfolio composition but also to gains on disposals." The exchange of HVB shares into UniCredit stock produced
a net gain of approx. 1.15bn.
The markedly higher burden, both for Munich Re and most of the other market players, resulting from delayed Katrina
claims notifications is naturally reflected in the market loss too. Munich Re originally estimated it at up to US$ 30bn, but
now expects a figure of around US$ 45bn. One reason is that the full extent of the considerable flood losses which
occurred along a broad coastal strip and which are covered under commercial and industrial policies only gradually
emerged. A large proportion of these losses are reinsured. Another factor is that, in addition to the complex loss
situation, unrestricted access to New Orleans has only been possible since the beginning of December, which has
meant substantial delays in surveying the business interruption and building losses. The subsequent storms Rita and
Wilma also had a retroactive impact on the loss amount from the preceding storm Katrina because they led to a further
increase in demand and prices for building materials and wages in the construction and craft sectors, thus inflating the
cost of Katrina claims.
Powered by
46
Natural catastrophe figures in 2005
Above all, the horrendous earthquake in Kashmir and the effects of Hurricane Katrina again drew attention to the global
threats emanating from natural hazards.
Torsten Jeworrek, member of Munich Re's Board of Management: "We are gearing our business more than ever to the
new risk situation and to these enormous loss potentials, as we recognise the additional business opportunities they
offer. Our products and our services are urgently needed. We will take advantage of the business opportunities but, in
doing so, will only accept risk-adequate prices and conditions."
A general analysis of 2005

Economic losses shot up to a record high of over US$ 200bn (including US$ 125bn from Katrina alone) and are thus far
higher than in the previous year (2004: around US$ 145bn). At over US$ 75bn, insured losses reached a new dimension
altogether, almost doubling the previous record set in 2004. Cyclones in the Atlantic accounted for more than US$ 60bn.
As in 2004, when the Pacific region was also involved, high concentrations of values with a high insurance penetration
were hit in particular by windstorm events.
With some 650 loss events, the number of natural catastrophes was the same as in the previous year and was in line
with the average of the last ten years.
Natural catastrophes in 2005 claimed over 100,000 lives. This human loss has only been matched twice in the last
25 years: in 1991 (around 160,000 dead, mainly due to the storm surge in Bangladesh) and 2004 (over 200,000 dead,
mainly due to the tsunami catastrophe). The earthquake in Kashmir on 8 October 2005 not only claimed the lives of
many more than 80,000 people but also injured countless others and made many thousands homeless. It is thus one of
the worst earthquake catastrophes of the last hundred years (see attachment) and the largest natural catastrophe in the
history of Pakistan. Lack of shelter in the cold mountain regions is a particularly serious existential problem. International
aid has been mobilised.
A new dimension in windstorm catastrophes

In 2005, Atlantic hurricanes set new records, both meteorological and economic. In terms of the number and strength of
tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic (26), the 2005 hurricane season surpassed all other years since recordings
began (in 1851). Losses are not only dependent on the frequency and intensity of the windstorms but also on the
concentrations of values affected.
The most devastating and meteorologically significant windstorm events:

In terms of atmospheric pressure, Katrina was the sixth strongest hurricane ever recorded. It caused an
unprecedented loss of approx. US$ 125bn, of which US$ 45bn was insured.
Rita, the fourth strongest hurricane on record, caused an overall loss of some US$ 15bn in the United States and
the Gulf of Mexico, of which more than half was insured.
Hurricane Vince developed in the eastern North Atlantic, a region not previously affected by hurricanes. It passed
Madeira as a full-blooded hurricane and even reached the European mainland in southern Spain, but only caused
minor damage.
Powered by
47
Hurricane Wilma was the strongest hurricane ever recorded. Initially in Mexico and then after its second landfall in
Florida, it destroyed insured values of some US$ 10bn, generating an overall loss of about US$ 16bn.
At the end of November, the Canary Islands were hit by Hurricane Delta, the first such storm there since the
recording of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic began.
Extremely heavy rainfall in August produced severe floods in northern Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, and above all
central Switzerland. This event in fact became Switzerland's costliest insured natural catastrophe ever. The floods
caused economic losses of about US$ 3bn, of which around US$ 1.7bn is insured.
In January, Winter Storm Erwin, had already crossed northern Europe and caused economic losses amounting to
US$ 5.8bn, of which US$ 2.5bn was insured.
The insurance industry reacts to Katrina

The hurricane losses of 2004 and 2005 have prompted a re-evaluation of the risk. Scientific analysis is focusing on the
effects of natural fluctuations in the water temperature of the North Atlantic on the frequency and intensity of tropical
cyclones, along with the effects of global warming. The insurance industry is now facing the challenge of adjusting the
models it uses to calculate the hurricane risk so that they are in line with the current heightened hazard situation.
Even before Katrina happened, scientific studies had led Munich Re to expect an elevated risk situation in the North
Atlantic. However, the exceptional losses from the tsunami-like storm surge along the coasts of Louisiana and
Mississippi, and the leap in the price of construction materials, the wages for craftsmen, and the fees for loss surveyors
(which could not be estimated in full until the end of the hurricane season) showed that Munich Re also needs to adjust
its risk model again.
San Francisco 1906: An earthquake shakes the world

Many people consider earthquakes to be the most destructive of nature's forces. The tsunami on 26 December 2004
was also triggered by a quake. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 has become a symbol of such an event that
affected the insurance industry throughout the world. The centenary of this event will be on 18 April.
On that April day in 1906, the San-Andreas Fault ruptured over a length of 430 km almost half as long as California
itself. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter Scale and hit nearby San Francisco with its full force. Many
of the already quite solid brick structures and the relatively flexible wooden structures held firm. However, the quake led
to large numbers of gas pipes bursting and caused fires which, fanned by a strong dry wind, grew into a devastating
conflagration in large parts of the city. The outcome of this catastrophe: more than 3,000 fatalities, economic losses of
approx. US$ 520m, and insured losses of US$ 180m (original values). It was a severe test for the international
insurance industry.
Munich Re's share of the loss was 11 million gold marks (about US$ 2.6m at that time). Measured in terms of business
volume, this loss event still represents the largest burden the company has ever had to bear from one single
catastrophe. It cost almost 15% of its premium volume at that time. As a result of the immediate payments and the quick
and unbureaucratic handling of reinsurance claims, the saying "Thieme is money", with reference to the founder and
head of the company, established itself among Munich Re's clients.
Powered by
48
There have been numerous devastating earthquakes since then, the most recent being in Kobe/Japan (1995), Gujarat/
India (2001), Bam/Iran (2003), Sumatra/Indonesia (2004), and in Kashmir/Pakistan and India (2005). The strongest
quake in California since 1906 the 6.7 Northridge/Los Angeles quake in 1994 generated economic losses of
US$ 44bn and insured losses of approx. US$ 15bn (original values).
Today, a quake like the one in 1906, which in statistical terms occurs every 250-300 years, could in the worst case
and in spite of all the precautions that have been taken kill more than 10,000 people in San Francisco and cause
economic losses in the region of US$ 200bn. Insured property losses alone would be at least US$ 40bn.
Agglomerations like San Francisco, Mexico City, New York, and Tokyo are highly complex systems. They create new
types and new dimensions of risk megarisks. Tokyo and Miami are examples of megacities in areas with major
earthquake and/or hurricane exposures. On 11 January 2005, shortly after the tsunami catastrophe, Munich Re held a
press workshop in which it drew attention to the fact that such megacities presented major challenges, especially in the
political field and the insurance industry. Greater transparency in terms of loss potentials and liabilities is a central
prerequisite for insurability because major losses cannot be ruled out even if prevention is optimised.
A concentrated effort must be made to improve risk prevention and control in megacities. The losses that may be
caused by natural hazards, technological risks, terrorism, and even epidemics must be identified and modelled in
advance. This is essential if we are to achieve or maintain the insurability of megacity risks.
Disclaimer

In case of enquiries, please contact Florian Wst on +49 (89) 38 91-94 01 ). Questions of a scientific nature
should be addressed to Prof. Peter Hppe on +49 (89) 38 91-26 78 .
A wide selection of Munich Re's geoscientific findings may be found at www.munichre.com. In addition to background
information on climate change and the insurance of natural hazards, users will find analyses of topical loss events and
interactive hazard maps for all regions of the world. The documentation on the press workshop "Megacities Megarisks"
can be found on the Munich Re internet at the following link: "Press" "Press releases" " 11 January 2005".
Announcement: The media tele-conference on the renewal of reinsurance treaties in non-life business will take place on
the morning of 15 February 2006. Details will follow in due course.
Powered by
49
signed Dr. Jeworrek signed Kppers

(PDF, 9 KB)
MRNatCatSERVICE
October Pakistan. India Earthquake 87,000
Afghanistan. India.
February Snow storms >1,400
Pakistan
August USA Hurricane Katrina 1,300
August India Floods 1,150
March Indonesia Earthquake >1,000
Country/ Economic Insured losses

Region losses US$ m US$ m
Hurricane
August USA 1,300 125,000 45,000
Katrina
USA. Mexico.
October Hurricane Wilma 42 16,000 10,000
Caribbean
September USA Hurricane Rita 10 15,000 10,000
Winter Storm
January Europe: W, N, E 18 5,800 2,500
Erwin/Gudrun
July-August India Floods 1,150 5,000 700
Country/ Economic Insured losses

Region losses US$ m US$ m
Powered by
50
Hurricane
August USA 1,300 125,000 45,000
Katrina
USA. Mexico.
October Hurricane Wilma 42 16,000 10,000
Caribbean
September USA Hurricane Rita 10 15,000 10,000
Winter Storm
January Europe: W, N, E 18 5,800 2,500
Erwin/Gudrun
August Europe: Alps Floods 11 3,000 1,700
As at: 29.12.2005
2005 NatCatSERVICE , Mnchener Rck
Significant earthquakes 19002005

(PDF, 9 KB)
MRNatCatSERVICE
15 deadliest earthquakes 19002005
Economic Insured losses

Date Magnitude Region Fatalities
losses (US$ m) (US$ m)*
China:
27/28.7.1976 7.8 242,800 5,600
Tangshan
16.12.1920 8.5 China: Gansu 235,000 25
26.12.2004 9.0 South Asia >200,000 >10,000 <1,000
1.9.1923 7.8 Japan: Tokyo 142,800 2,800 590
8.10.2005 7.6 Pakistan. India 87,000 2,000
28.12.1908 7.2 Italy: Messina 85,900 116
25.12.1932 7.6 China: Kansu 77,000
31.5.1970 7.9 Peru: Chimbote 67,000 550 14
30.5.1935 7.5 Pakistan: Quetta 50,000 25
Powered by
51
Iran: Gilan
20/21.6.1990 7.4 40,000 7,100 100
Province
23.5.1927 8.0 China: Gansu 40,000 25
Turkey:
26.12.1939 7.9 32,900 20
Erzincan
13.1.1915 7.5 Italy: Avezzano 32,600 25
Chile:
25.1.1939 8.3 28,000 100
Concepcin
26.12.2003 6.6 Iran: Bam 26,200 500 18
10 costliest earthquakes (economic losses) 19002005
Economic Insured losses

Datum Magnitude Region Fatalities
losses(US$ m) (US$ m)*
USA: San
18.4.1906 8.3 3,000 520 180
Francisco
...
17.1.1995 6.8 Japan: Kobe 6,430 100,000 3,000
17.1.1994 6.8 USA: Northridge 61 44,000 15,300
23.10.2004 6.6 Japan: Niigata 39 28,000 450
7.12.1988 6.7 Armenia: Spitak 25,000 14,000
21.9.1999 7.6 Taiwan: Nantou 2,370 14,000 750
17.8.1999 7.4 Turkey: Izmit 15,000 12,000 600
23.11.1980 6.8 Italy: Irpinia 2,900 11,800 40
26.12.2004 9.0 South Asia >200,000 >10,000 <1,000
USA: Loma
17.10.1989 7.1 68 10,000 960
Prieta
Iran: Gilan
20/21.6.1990 7.4 40,000 7,100 100
Province
Powered by
52
....
8.10.2005 7.6 Pakistan. India 87,000 2,000
* Original values
Shortly before the end of the year 2004, the strongest earthquake for 40
years
Human tragedy with tens of thousands of people killed or injured by earthquake and seismic sea waves (tsunamis) /
Limited claims burden for Munich Re Group, the latest information suggesting a figure below 100m
28 December 2004 | Group | Reinsurance
Preface
Even before the seaquake, 2004 was already the costliest natural disaster year ever for the insurance industry, with
losses of US$ 40bn / The cyclones in the United States, the Caribbean, and Japan alone generated insured losses
exceeding US$ 35bn / Weather extremes as a result of global warming / Peter Hppe new head of Munich Re's Geo
Risks Research Department
On 26 December 2004, an extremely strong seaquake hit the north of Sumatra and triggered seismic sea waves that
surged with great force against sections of coast a great distance away. Tens of thousands were killed or injured,
millions were made homeless. The insurance penetration is relatively low, and the insured property losses are likely to
be limited due to the sparse concentrations of values. It is too early for a substantiated loss estimate. Judging by the
information it has received so far, the Munich Re Group expects its own burden to be limited, with a figure currently
under 100m. This means that at present there is no reason to adjust the result forecast for the current business year
(profit target: 1.82bn).
Overall picture of natural catastrophes in 2004

Over the past 30 years Munich Re has been documenting and analysing all reports on natural hazard events with large
material or human losses throughout the world, which this time occurred mainly in the second half of the year. The third
quarter was marked by extreme weather-related natural catastrophes, with hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the
West Pacific generating record losses.
Stefan Heyd, member of Munich Re's Board of Management: We are shocked at the scale of human tragedy in southern
Asia. Many thousands of people have died, as in the devastating earthquake that hit Bam (Iran) exactly one year ago to
the day. The terrible effects spreading all around the Indian Ocean and reaching as far as the Horn of Africa are a
further reminder of the global threat from natural catastrophes. Heyd, whose responsibilities on the Board include
Powered by
53
corporate underwriting, commented on the weather extremes of 2004 as follows: "They underline our long-standing
demand for prompt and rigorous measures against global climate change. After the disappointing outcome of the recent
climate summit in Buenos Aires, time is running out. We will continue to provide cover for losses from natural
catastrophes if the price is commensurate with the risk that is highly exposed due to weather-related phenomena and
concentrations of values. The unprecedented claims burden from natural catastrophes has contributed to risk
awareness and appreciation for insurance protection growing again. It has also led to the prices for these covers
remaining stable in the renewal season that is now coming to an end."
An overview of the analysis results for 2004

Insured losses rose to over US$ 40bn (previous year: US$ 15bn), more than US$ 35bn of which was due to
devastating hurricanes and typhoons. Even before the latest earthquake, 2004 had thus become the costliest
natural catastrophe year so far in insurance history (the second most expensive year was 1992, with insured losses
at that time of US$ 26bn dominated by Hurricane Andrew).
Economic losses were double the previous year's figure and topped US$ 130bn. At this point in time, we cannot
give an exact figure for the losses from the seaquake on 26 December. The earthquake in the northwest of Japan
(Niigata) on 27 October accounted for roughly US$ 30bn, where the bulk of the destruction involved infrastructure
installations which were not insured. A higher overall figure for economic losses had only ever been recorded in
1995, when losses came to US$ 172bn (owing to the Kobe earthquake). The average for the last ten years is now
US$ 70bn.
With some 650 loss events, the number of documented natural catastrophes was in line with the average of the last
ten years. The number of events consequently says little about the losses to the economy and the insurance
industry.
Even before the recent seaquake, natural catastrophes had already claimed over 15,000 fatalities this year. The
Caribbean was hit by two severe catastrophes. In May, flash floods and flooding claimed over 2,000 lives in Haiti
and the Dominican Republic. In September, the two countries were devastated by Hurricane Jeanne, with again
almost 2,000 victims. On 24 February, 640 people were killed by an earthquake that rocked the north of Morocco.
The number of fatalities in the year 2004 as a whole is certain to change drastically. According to current media
reports, the seaquake claimed the lives of up to 45,000 people.
Tens of thousands killed or injured after seaquake in Asia / The number of

earthquakes had been below average in the course of the year until then
Of the 650 events analysed by Munich Re, about 80 were due to geological hazards (70 damaging earthquakes and 10
volcanic eruptions). On 26 December a seaquake with a strength of 9.0 on the Richter Scale and subsequent tsunamis
caused substantial damage, with tens of thousands of people killed or injured. The worst affected areas were stretches
of coast in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where the floods hit the sometimes densely populated coastal
strips and a number of tourist centres. Losses have also been reported from Malaysia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the
Maldives and even from the Horn of Africa. In spite of the long coastlines affected, the burden on the insurance
industry will be limited. The reason for this is that seismic flood waves do not usually reach much further than a few
hundred metres inland, so that although the destruction there is great it is hardly comparable with the widespread
devastation caused by severe storms. Also, the concentrations of values and the insurance penetration in the areas
affected were generally low and only higher in places with infrastructure for tourism or harbour facilities. What is more, in
the majority of these countries the earthquake risk (including tsunamis) is excluded in property insurance policies, and
additional covers as well as life and health insurance are quite unusual.
Powered by
54
Besides the event on 26 December and its numerous aftershocks, there were a number of other earthquakes in 2004,
some of them strong. 640 fatalities were caused by an earthquake in the north of Morocco on 24 February. The Niigata
quake (Japan) with a strength of 6.6 on the Richter Scale is the third most expensive earthquake of all time so far after
the earthquakes of Kobe in 1995 (economic losses: US$ 100bn) and Northridge (US$ 44bn). It claimed the lives of 40
people and generated economic losses of around US$ 30bn, including insured losses of US$ 450m. A large seaquake
with a strength of over 8 also occurred near the Antarctic a few days before 26 December, but it had no damaging effect.
2004: Maximum losses for insurers mainly due to weather-related natural

catastrophes
About half of the approx. 650 natural catastrophes recorded in 2004 were windstorms and severe weather events. But
these weather-related natural catastrophes accounted for more than 90% of the year's insured losses. "This again
confirms the assumption we have been expressing for a long time that climate change with a high degree of certainty
triggered by human activity will lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of exceptional weather events", to
quote Dr. Gerhard Berz, the now retiring Head of Geo Risks Research at Munich Re.
The hurricane season in the Atlantic and the typhoon season in the Pacific were completely exceptional, in terms of both
the extent of damage and the meteorological facts:
The hurricane that formed off the Brazilian coast at the end of March was the first ever recorded there and caused
severe damage to buildings in the federal state of Santa Catarina. The region was classified as hurricane-free
because the water temperatures in the South Atlantic were hitherto too low.
Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne seriously affected numerous island states on their way across the
Caribbean, where they generated economic losses of over US$ 7bn, of which approx. US$ 2.5bn was insured.
Florida was hit by all four of these severe storms within the space of just a few weeks, so that the insurance industry
suffered record losses. With economic losses of almost US$ 60bn and insured losses exceeding US$ 28bn
(Atlantic), the 2004 hurricane season was the most costly of all time so far (for the sake of comparison, the 1992
hurricane season gave rise to economic losses of US$ 30bn and insured losses of US$ 18bn, mainly the result of
Hurricane Andrew).
Between June and October 2004, Japan was hit by a total of ten tropical cyclones more than in any other year
since the commencement of continuous weather recordings over 50 years ago. Typhoons Chaba, Songda, and
Tokage caused economic losses exceeding a total of US$ 10bn: more than half of this amount is being carried by
the insurance industry. Further information on the windstorm series in the Atlantic and Pacific may be found in the
attachment.
At the end of November, when the typhoon season was nearing its close, Tropical Storm Winnie unleashed
torrential rain over the Philippines. More than 750 people were killed in the floods and landslides.
Europe was largely been spared extreme winter storms and thunderstorms in 2004. Although a few minor tornadoes
caused a stir in Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, they caused little damage.
In May, a squall line passed over the US Midwest bringing severe hailstorms and some 85 tornadoes. It generated more
than US$ 800m in insured losses and over US$ 1bn in economic losses.
Powered by
55
Munich Re's Geo Risks Research Department "under new management" from 1
January 2005
For 30 years now, Dr. Gerhard Berz and the Geo Risk Research team at Munich Re have been documenting and
analysing natural hazards and the effects of climate change throughout the world. In so doing, they create the underlying
scientific knowledge for the company's underwriters and Munich Re's clients. The Master of Disaster, as Berz is
sometimes called in the media, has made his research work and results available in numerous publications and
presentations. In important scientific and political committees and at many events, he has always drawn attention with
urgency to the causal connection between increasing natural catastrophes and anthropogenic climate change: "We are
at the beginning of a global process of climate change which will develop into a serious danger for future generations if
we do not adopt radical measures soon at political, social, and economic levels. The insurance industry can supply vital
arguments and incentives."
At the end of 2004, Gerhard Berz will go into retirement. His successor is Professor Peter Hppe: We will rigorously
develop the know-how that is already in place and our innovative tools for analysis and forecasting. Our objective must
be to maintain our leading role on all questions dealing with natural hazard risk management and climate research for
the insurance industry. And we want to continue to be a competent partner to our clients also in the fields of
environmental protection and sustainability. With his specialist knowledge of the impact of the weather and the climate
on humans, biometeorologist Hppe further enhances the spectrum of the geo team's work and has also been
appointed Munich Re's Environmental Protection Officer. Hppe was introduced to a wider public on 29 September at a
press conference on the windstorm series in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
From the beginning of the new year, all those interested will for the first time be able to access Munich Re's broad scope
of geo knowledge at www.munichre.com. In addition to background information on climate change and the insurance of
natural hazards, users will find analyses of topical loss events and interactive hazard maps for all regions of the world.
Disclaimer
This press release, in particular the outlook for the full year 2004, contains and refers to statements relating to the future.
Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and prognoses as well as
assessments and assumptions of the management of Munich Reinsurance Company. Such statements contain in
particular comments regarding plans, strategies and outlooks. Words such as "expect" and similar expressions
characterise such forward-looking statements. These statements are no guarantee that results will actually materialise in
the future and they are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to foresee. Therefore, actual
consequences and results could deviate substantially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

In case of enquiries, please contact Florian Wst on +49 (89) 38 91-94 01 ). Questions of a scientific nature
should be addressed to Dr. Gerhard Berz on +49 (89) 38 91-52 90 or Prof. Peter Hppe on +49 (89)
38 91-26 78 .
Powered by
56
signed Heyd signed Kppers

(PDF, 8 KB)
Indonesia. Sri Lanka.

26.12 Tsunami >140,000
India
June-August Bangladesh. India. Nepal Floods 2,200
25-26.5 Haiti. Dominican Republic Floods 2,000
15-29.9 Haiti. Dominican Republic Hurricane Jeanne 2,000
June-September China Floods 2,000
30.11-1.12 Philippines Tropical Storm Winnie 775
24.2 Morocco Earthquake 640
6-7.3 Madagascar Cyclone Gafilo 237
19.5 Myanmar Tropical cyclone 220
3-5.1 Bangladesh. Nepal Cold spell 200
Country/ Economic Insured

23.10 Japan Earthquake 39 28,000 450
Hurricane
11-14.8 USA. Caribbean 32 21,300 7,600
Charley
Powered by
57
7-21.9 USA. Caribbean Hurricane Ivan 125 20,000 11,700
India
Indonesia. Sri
26.12 Earthquake, >140,000 >10,000 **
Lanka.
tsunami
Hurricane
1-9.9 USA. Caribbean 39 8,400 4,700
Frances
June-September China Floods 1,000 7,800 *
Hurricane
15-29.9 USA. Caribbean 2,000 6,600 4,500
Jeanne
Japan. South Typhoon

6-8.9 41 6,000 3,000
Korea Songda
Bangladesh.
June-August Nepal Floods 2,200 5,000 *
India.
Typhoon
19-21.10 Japan 80 2,500 1,100
Tokage
* Little damage, no figures

** Extent not yet known

7-21.9 USA. Caribbean Hurricane Ivan 125 20,000 11,700
Hurricane
11-14.8 USA. Caribbean 32 21,300 7,600
Charley
Hurricane
1-9.9 USA. Caribbean 39 8,400 4,700
Frances
Hurricane
15-29.9 USA. Caribbean 2,000 6,600 4,500
Jeanne

6-8.9 41 6,000 3,000
Korea Songda
Typhoon
19-21.10 Japan 80 2,500 1,100
Tokage
Powered by
58
22-31.8 Japan. Guam Typhoon Chaba 16 2,000 950
21-27.5 USA Tornadoes 4 1,100 800
29.5-2.6 USA Tornadoes 10 700 500
23.10 Japan Earthquake 39 28,000 450
As at 28.12.2004, updated 3.1.2005

Major earthquakes and tsunamis 1900-2004

(PDF, 12 KB)
MRNatCatSERVICE
Major earthquakes and tsunamis, 1900-2004
15 deadliest earthquakes, 1900-2004
Economic
Date Event Magnitude Region Fatilities losses Insured losses(US$m)*
(US$m)*
China,
27/28.7.1976 Earthquake 7.8 242,800 5,600
Tangshan
Earthquake,
16.12.1920 8.5 China, Gansu 235,000 25
landslide
1.9.1923 Earthquake 7.8 Japan, Tokyo 142,800 2,800 590
28.12.1908 Earthquake 7.2 Italy, Messina 85,900 116
25.12.1932 Earthquake 7.6 China, Kansu 77,000
Earthquake, Peru,
31.5.1970 7.9 67,000 550 14
landslide Chimbote
Pakistan,
30.5.1935 Earthquake 7.5 50,000 25
Quetta
Iran, Gilan
20/21.6.1990 Earthquake 7.4 40,000 7,100 100
province
23.5.1927 Earthquake 8.0 China, Gansu 40,000 25
Powered by
59
Turkey,
26.12.1939 Earthquake 7.9 32,900 20
Erzincan
Italy,
13.1.1915 Earthquake 7.5 32,600 25
Avezzano
Chile,
25.1.1939 Earthquake 8.3 28,000 100
Concepcin
26.12.2003 Earthquake 6.6 Iran, Bam 26,200 500 18
Armenia,
7.12.1988 Earthquake 6.7 25,000 14,000
Spitak
4.2.1976 Earthquake 7.5 Guatemala 23,000 1,100 55
10 deadliest tsunamis, 1900-2004
Date Event Magnitude Region Fatilities
Indonesia. Sri
Lanka.
26.12. 2004 Tsunami 9.0 >140,000
India. Thailand.
Maldives
17.8.1976 Tsunami 8.0 Philippines 4,000
2.3.1933 Tsunami 8.3 Japan, Sanriku 3,060
21.5.1960 Tsunami 9.5 Chile. Hawaii. Japan 3,000
12.12.1992 Tsunami 7.5 Indonesia, Flores 2,500
17.7.1998 Tsunami 7.1 Papua New Guinea 2,400
20.12.1946 Tsunami 8.1 Japan, Nankaido 2,000
Russia, Paramushir
5.11.1952 Tsunami 1,300
Island
7.12.1944 Tsunami 8.0 Japan, Honshu 1,000
31.1.1906 Tsunami 8.2 Ecuador. Colombia 500
Powered by
60
Other historic tsunami disasters
Date Event Magnitude Region Fatilities
Volanic eruption:
1883 Indonesia 36,400
Krakatau, tsunami
1.11.1755 Earthquake, tsunami Portugal. Morocco >30,000
15.6.1896 Tsunami Japan, Sanriku 27,000
10 costliest earthquakes/tsunamis, 1900-2004
Economic
Date Event Magnitude Region Fatilities losses Insured losses(US$m)*
(US$m)*
17.1.1995 Earthquake 6.8 Japan, Kobe 6,430 100,000 3,000
USA,
17.1.1994 Earthquake 6.8 61 44,000 15,300
Northridge
Japan,
23.10.2004 Earthquake 6.6 39 28,000 450
Niigata
Armenia,
7.12.1988 Earthquake 6.7 25,000 14,000
Spitak
Taiwan,
21.9.1999 Earthquake 7.6 2,370 14,000 750
Nantou
17.8.1999 Earthquake 7.4 Turkey, Izmit 15,000 12,000 600
23.11.1980 Earthquake 6.8 Italy, Irpinia 2,900 11,800 40
Indonesia. Sri
Earthquake, Lanka. India.
26.12. 2004 9.0 >140,000 >10,000
tsunami Thailand.
Maldives
USA, Loma
17.10.1989 Earthquake 7.1 68 10,000 960
Prieta
Iran, Gilan
20/21.6.1990 Earthquake 7.4 40,000 7,100 100
province
Powered by
61
Largest earthquakes, 1900-2004
Date Moment magnitude Mw Region
22.5.1960 9.5 Chile
28.3.1964 9.2 USA, Alaska
9.3.1957 9.1 USA, Aleutian
4.11.1952 9.0 Russia, Kamchatka
26.12.2004 9.0 Indonesia
31.1.1906 8.8 Ecuador
4.2.1965 8.7 USA, Aleutian
15.8.1950 8.6 India, Assam
3.2.1923 8.5 Russia, Kamchatka
1.2.1938 8.5 Indonesia, Banda Sea
13.10.1963 8.5 Russia, Kuril Islands
* Losses in original values
2004 NatCatSERVICE , GeoRisks Research Dept., Munich Re

As at 28.12.2004, updated 3.1.2005
The most expensive windstorm catastrophes in insurance history

(PDF, 7 KB)
(Insured losses > US$ 3bn)
Country, Economic Insured losses

region losses US$ m US$ m
Hurricane
23-27.8.1992 USA, Florida 62 26,500 17,000
Andrew
7-21.9.2004 USA. Caribbean Hurricane Ivan 125 20,000 11,700
Powered by
62
Hurricane
11-14.8.2004 USA. Caribbean 32 21,300 7,600
Charley
France.
Winter Storm
26.12.1999 Germany. 110 11,500 5,900
Lothar
Switzerland
26-28.9.1991 Japan Typhoon Mireille 62 10,000 5,400
Winter Storm
25-26.1.1990 Europe 94 6,800 5,100
Daria
Hurricane
1-9.9.2004 USA. Caribbean 39 8,500 4,700
Frances
14-22.9.1989 USA. Caribbean Hurricane Hugo 86 9,000 4,500
Hurricane
15-29.9.2004 USA. Caribbean 2,000 6,600 4,500
Jeanne
Hurricane
20-29.9.1998 USA. Caribbean 4,000 10,000 4,000
Georges
22-25.9.1999 Japan Typhoon Bart 29 5,000 3,500
Tropical Storm
5-17.6.2001 USA, Texas 25 6,000 3,500
Allison
2-11.5.2003 USA Tornado 44 4,000 3,200
France. United
15-16.10.1987 Winter storm 17 3,700 3,100
Kingdom. Spain

6-8.9.2004 41 6,000 3,000
Korea Songda
As at 28.12.2004
Curriculum vitae of apl. Professor Dr. Dr. Peter Hppe

(PDF, 7 KB)
Born: 3 October 1954 in Hassfurt, Germany
Nationality: German
Marital status: Married
Powered by
63
Education and training
Primary school in Munich
Mathematical-scientific gymnasium in Munich; school-leaving examination in 1974
Studied meteorology at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich (LMU), gaining his diploma in 1979
1984: Doctorate in physics
1996: Qualified as a university professor
1996: Private lecturer in environmental medicine, particularly biometeorology
2003: Appointed apl. Professor
Professional career
1979-1984: Research assistant at the Institute of Bioclimatology and Applied Meteorology, LMU
19841990: Tenured lecturer at the Institute of Bioclimatology and Applied Meteorology, LMU
19892003: Tenured lecturer and senior lecturer at the Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, LMU
Since 1 January 2004: Designated Head (as of 1 January 2005: Head) of the Geo Risks Research/Environmental
Management Department of Munich Reinsurance Company
Main areas of research

Effects of atmospheric processes (heat/cold, UV radiation, air pressure fluctuations) and air pollutants (ozone, particles)
on humans; assessment of environmental risks
Scientific memberships
International Society of Biometeorology (19992002: President) German Meteorological Society (a number of years on
the Board)
Various activities for WHO and WMO
Munich Re's analysis of natural catastrophes in 2003: Economic and

insured losses continue to increase at a high level
Shortly before the end of the year: Earthquakes in Iran and California / Munich Re launches initiative to reduce
earthquake catastrophes in the Third World / The winter-storm season in Europe opens with an intense low-pressure
system called Jan / Heat wave in central Europe a further indication of the increase in weather extremes and a taste of
the future
Preface
Munich Re records and analyses all reports on natural hazard events that cause material or human losses anywhere in
the world. Right up until the last days of the year, 2003 was marked by a series of severe natural hazard events, with the
number of fatalities far exceeding the long-term average. In view of the deteriorating risk situation, the insurance industry
must continue to act rigorously for example, by agreeing on limits of liability and risk-adequate premiums.
Powered by
64
The results for 2003 in detail
More than 50,000 people were killed in natural catastrophes worldwide, almost five times as many as in the
previous year (11,000); such a high number of victims has only been recorded four times since 1980. The heat
wave in Europe and the earthquake in Iran each claimed more than 20,000 lives.
The number of natural catastrophes recorded in 2003 was around 700 and thus at the same level as in the previous
year.
Economic losses rose to over US$ 60bn (2002: US$ 55bn).
Insured losses increased to about US$ 15bn (previous year: US$ 11.5bn). The series of tornadoes in the Midwest
of the United States in May alone cost insurers more than US$ 3bn.
The year 2003 was marked not only by natural catastrophes but also by other remarkable events: the power
outages in the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Italy, for example; total losses involving two
satellites; again numerous terrorist attacks; a major leak of poison gas in China shortly before the end of the year.
However, the extent of the losses caused by these events was much smaller than that caused by the natural
catastrophes and they claimed fewer lives.
Earthquake: Large numbers of victims / Iran hit particularly hard

In the past year there were 70 earthquakes around the world that caused damage. However, the resulting economic
losses of approx. US$ 6bn were far higher than the insured losses of approx. US$ 100m.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale that rocked Algeria in May claimed the lives of at least 2,200
people. The quake generated a tsunami in the Mediterranean, which reached Majorca, Ibiza, and Minorca, where it
destroyed or damaged 150 yachts. In February, the northwest of China was shaken by a quake with a magnitude of 6.4,
the worst in the region for 50 years. 70,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
Despite a magnitude of 6.5 the earthquake that shook parts of California on 22 December did not cause any dramatic
damage because it fortunately occurred in a thinly populated region about half-way between Los Angeles and San
Francisco. However, its proximity to those two megacities points to their extremely high exposure in the event of a future
strong quake.
Finally, early in the morning on 26 December an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 devastated the region around the
city of Bam in the southeast of Iran. The majority of the clay-brick houses in this city situated on the legendary Silk
Road and with a population of approx. 100,000 collapsed, burying tens of thousands of the city's inhabitants beneath
them. The authorities fear that the figures will rise to more 25,000 people killed and approx. 30,000 injured.
Millions of people in Iran and its neighbouring countries are exposed to a similarly high earthquake risk. This is the result
of the heavy earthquake activity in this seismically very active region along the collision zone between the Arabian and
Eurasian plates. The situation is made worse by the high population density in the many cities in this region and the
extreme susceptibility of both the clay-brick type of buildings still common there and the modern concrete structures with
inadequate earthquake resistance. The list of devastating historical earthquake catastrophes in this region is particularly
long (last century there were six quakes each with a toll of more than 5,000 victims in Iran alone; the last occurred in the
Rasht region on the Caspian Sea in 1990 and claimed the lives of 40,000 people).
Powered by
65
Since there are many countries in the Third World with a similarly fateful constellation of risk factors and consequently
terrifyingly high catastrophe potentials, Munich Re now intends to intensify quite considerably the cooperation that has
already existed for many years with the Californian non-profit organisation GeoHazards International. This will be
heralded by an international symposium that Munich Re will be hosting at its offices at the end of February 2004.
Distinguished experts from the World Bank, GeoHazards International, the Geo Research Centre (GFZ) in Potsdam,
and Munich Re will present the need for disaster prevention measures in the light of the immense earthquake risks of
the future and, together with high-level representatives of the German economy, will discuss the instruments that are
already available to minimise the loss potentials.
Munich Re has long been involved in a series of global initiatives set up by the United Nations aimed at disaster
reduction; in this way, it makes a substantial contribution in its own field of competence to the sustainable economic and
social development of countries in the Third World.
Windstorms govern the insurers' overall balance

In 2003, windstorms and severe weather accounted for about a third of the approx. 700 events recorded but for 75% of
all the insured losses caused by natural catastrophes.
The tornado series and the hailstorms that hit the US Midwest in April and May were particularly striking. They
caused insured losses of some US$ 5bn. The loss caused by the series of tornadoes in May exceeded US$ 3bn,
making it one of the ten most costly storms in insurance history. In the second half of September, Hurricane Isabel
swept over the US East Coast and devastated more than 360,000 homes (economic loss: around US$ 5bn, of
which US$ 1.7bn was insured). Europe was largely spared severe storms this year. Even Calvann, the winter storm
that struck France, Switzerland, and Germany at the beginning of January, caused only relatively moderate losses
(economic losses: US$ 1bn, insured losses: US$ 300m) in spite of wind speeds reaching 200 km/h.
Hot summer: Extreme event or the norm in the future?

The outstanding event of the past year in Europe was the extreme heat and drought of the summer. In Germany
alone, the record temperatures from June to August corresponded to a 450-year event in climatological terms; if the
atmosphere continues to warm up unchecked, such a heat wave could already become a mere twenty-year event
by 2020. The heat affected a very large area (western and central Europe and large parts of the western
Mediterranean region). Economic losses of approx. US$ 13bn constituted an extremely large amount. Nevertheless,
the burden imposed on insurers by, for example, drought-related losses is relatively small because reduced yields
in the agricultural sector as a result of dry weather are mostly not yet covered in the European Union.
Many countries in the world were ravaged by serious wildfires in 2003. Headlines were caused in particular by the
forest fires in Australia, southwest Europe, Canada, and the United States. In October and November alone,
thousands of homes fell victim to the flames in California, resulting in a bill of about US$ 2bn for the insurance
industry, representing almost 60% of the economic losses.
In India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, heat waves with temperatures of up to 50C in May and June were followed by
severe floods between June and September. In China, the swollen waters of the Huai and Yangtze flooded 650,000
homes and caused an economic loss of almost US$ 8bn. Many places in southern France were under water at the
beginning of December, when numerous rivers, including the Rhône, flooded their banks after extreme rainfall
(causing insured losses of US$ 1bn and economic losses of around US$ 1.5bn).
Exceptional individual events of the past year like the heat wave again provided strong indications of climate change.
They show that new types of weather risks and greater loss potentials must be reckoned with in the future. Stefan Heyd,
responsible on Munich Re's Board of Management for corporate underwriting: "The insurance industry must prepare
Powered by
66
itself for increasing risks and losses. This requires above all transparency and a limitation of the risks. Prospective action
also means adjustments in the premiums." Increase in weather extremes becoming more and more distinct
Dr. Gerhard Berz, Head of Munich Re's Geo Risks Research Department: "We will have to get used to the fact that hot
summers like the one we had in Europe this year must be expected more frequently in the future. It is possible that they
will have become more or less the norm by the middle of the century. The summer of 2003 was a "summer of the
future", so to speak. For many years we have been warning about the elevated danger of heat waves and the
associated problems and risks. Warmer summers mean a rise in the intensity and frequency of severe weather events.
A heated-up Mediterranean and a warm North Atlantic increase the risk that particularly strong low-pressure systems will
form in autumn and winter with torrential rain and extreme wind speeds. This was confirmed by the devastating floods in
southern France at the beginning of December and the intense low-pressure system called Jan over west and central
Europe shortly before Christmas."
Munich Re Partner in climate and environmental protection
For three decades, Munich Re has dedicated itself to decisive measures designed to reduce further man-made global
warming and to minimise its consequences. This includes its active involvement in teams of experts within the UN
Environmental Programme (UNEP) and its contribution to boosting awareness for environment-related risks at a national
and international level. The importance of this was underlined by the Head of UNEP, Prof. Dr. Klaus Tpfer, in his talk to
Munich Re staff on this subject in December 2003. Munich Re's role as a forerunner in environmental and climate
protection has also been underlined again by the successful certification of its environmental management (for example,
integration of sustainable criteria in reinsurance and investments) by an independent expert.

In case of enquiries, please contact Florian Wst(tel.: +49 (89) 38 91-94 01 ).
The persons to approach in connection with scientific questions are Dr. Gerhard Berz(tel.: +49 (89) 38 91-52
90 ) and Thomas Loster(tel.: +49 (89) 38 91-52 87 ).
signed Heyd signed Kppers

(PDF, 72 KB)
Powered by
67
26.12 Iran Earthquake >22,000
July-August Europe Heat wave, drought >20,000
21.5 Algeria Earthquake, tsunamis 2,200
India, Bangladesh,
May-June Heat wave, drought 2,000
Pakistan
India, Bangladesh,
January Cold spell 1,800
Pakistan
India, Bangladesh,
June-September Floods 1,400
Pakistan, Nepal
Summer China Floods 800
18-19.5 Sri Lanka Floods 300
24, 25, 26.2 China Earthquake series 268
21-24.4 Bangladesh Severe weather, hail 230

Heat wave,
July-August Europe >20,000 13,000 1)
drought
Summer China Floods 800 8,000 1)
Earthquake,
21.5 Algeria 2,200 5,000 1)
tsunamis
18-20.9 USA, Canada Hurricane Isabel 40 5,000 1,685
South Korea,
11-13.9 Typhoon Maemi 118 4,800 500
Japan
Tornadoes,
2-11.5 USA, Midwest 44 4,000 3,200
severe weather
October- Drought, forest

USA, California 20 3,500 >2,000
November fires
Powered by
68
USA, esp. Severe weather,
4-8.4 13 2,100 >1,600
Texas hail
2-4.12 France Floods 7 1,500 1,000
Germany,
Winter Storm
2-3.1 Switzerland, 6 1,000 300
Calvann
France
1) minor damage, figures impossible to estimate

Tornadoes,
2-11.5 USA, Midwest 44 4,000 3,200
severe weather
October- Drought, forest

USA, California 20 3,500 >2,000
November fires
USA, East
18-20.9 Hurricane Isabel 40 5,000 1,685
Coast. Canada
USA, esp. Severe weather,

4-8.4 13 2,100 >1,600
Texas hail
2-4.12 France Floods 7 1,500 1,000
21-23.7 USA Severe weather 7 800 600
13-25.1 USA Winter storm 2 650 500
South Korea,
11-13.9 Typhoon Maemi 118 4,800 500
Japan
12-14.11 USA Severe weather 8 600 425
Hurricane
5-6.9 Bermuda 4 500 400
Fabian
Enclosure: The ten largest natural catastrophes in 2003

(PDF, 72 KB)
Powered by
69
Same as Above
Munich Re's analysis of natural catastrophes in 2002: Economic losses

increase distinctly to US$ 55bn (2001: 35bn)
Worst floods in Europe for centuries / Extraordinary accumulation of severe storms and flash floods / Winter Storm
Jeanett one of the most expensive storms ever for the German insurance industry / Various weather extremes herald
new El Nio / Mounting loss potentials call for adjustments of insurance prices and conditions
Preface
The year 2002 was a year of extremes: Scientists documented record figures for windstorms, rain and floods. In many
cases it was only fortunate circumstances that prevented even greater losses.
Munich Re records and analyses natural hazard events throughout the world. The results in detail:
In the year 2002 some 11,000 people throughout the world were killed in natural catastrophes; in the previous
year the figure was 25,000, owing to the huge earthquake catastrophes in Gujarat (northwest India) and El
Salvador.
The number of natural catastrophes recorded in 2002 was around 700 and thus above the average for the 1990s
(650).
Economic losses soared to some US$ 55bn (2001: US$ 35bn) mainly because of the summer floods in Europe.
Insured losses reached a figure of US$ 11.5bn (as in the previous year).
Towards the end of the year there was mounting evidence of a new El Nio event around the Pacific: Australia
was hit by serious droughts and the United States by floods on the Pacific coast and heavy snow storms in the
Midwest and on the East Coast.
Although in the case of technological (man-made) catastrophes the year 2002 was marked by numerous air
crashes, shipping accidents (in some cases with devastating environmental damage, as on the northwest coast
of Spain), major fires, and further terrorist attacks, they were far from reaching the same extent of loss or number
of victims as the natural catastrophes.
Further figures and details are appended in tabular form.
Even if from a long-term perspective the natural catastrophe year of 2002 was on the whole well within the normal
range, the insurance industry must still reckon with insured losses continuing to increase in this area. Stefan Heyd,
responsible on the Board of Management for corporate underwriting: Munich Re has for many years been analysing,
modelling, and calculating loss potentials - particularly from natural catastrophes especially as insuring the effects of
catastrophe events is a major part of our business. From these analyses we know that losses will continue their sharp
upward trend. Therefore, first-class reinsurance protection and Munich Re's services can only be available at prices and
Powered by
70
conditions that take into account all the risk factors involved, in particular the worldwide increase in weather-related
extreme events and the rising concentrations of values.
Windstorms and floods govern the overall balance in 2002

Windstorms and floods lead the table with just under 500 of the total of 700 loss events recorded. They accounted for
98% of the insured losses from natural catastrophes and thus dominated the claims burdens in the insurance industry.
The outstanding natural hazard event of 2002 was the major flooding in August on the Danube, Elbe, Moldova,
and their tributaries. These were the worst floods in Europe for centuries, probably since the millennium flood in
August 1342. They caused economic losses throughout Europe of about US$ 18.5bn, of which a good US$ 3bn
was insured. As flood losses were only covered to a small extent in many areas, the insurance industry is
currently considering new insurance offerings.
Tropical cyclones occurred above all in Mauritius and La Runion, South Korea, Japan, and Mexico. Dina, the
strongest cyclone off East Africa for 20 years, hit Mauritius and La Runion in January, where it inflicted damage
to the harbour facilities in Port Est. Typhoon Rusa destroyed 650 ships and boats in Korea at the beginning of
September and caused severe damage to the country's fish farms. Typhoon Higos, which occurred in the
southwest Pacific at the beginning of October, was in meteorological terms one of the strongest typhoons of
recent years in the northwest Pacific, but its intensity decreased before it made landfall in Japan. There was a
similar situation in the Gulf of Mexico, where, at the end of September and the beginning of October, Hurricanes
Lilli and Isidor damaged numerous offshore oil rigs but lost much of their force on reaching the coast.
There were two spectacular series of tornados in April and November in the United States Midwest. With wind
speeds of up to 330 km they left a trail of devastation in numerous places.
Prolonged sand and dust storms with exceptionally high concentrations of dust affected large areas of East Asia
in the spring. In Siberia, Mongolia, Korea, and China, more than half of the country was hit by the storms.
The longer a natural catastrophe lasts, the more intensive is public perception. But even when they are only of
short duration, they can cause immense losses. In contrast to the intensive presence of the media during the
devastating floods in August, for example, there were very few reports on one of the most expensive windstorms
ever experienced up to then by the German insurance industry. This was Jeanett, which at the end of October hit
almost the entire area of western and central Europe and will probably cost insurers more than US$ 1.5bn. In
Germany alone the insurance industry will have to pay out more for Jeanett than for Lothar, the gale that struck
in 1999 (US$ 650m). Similar dimensions had only been reached in Germany previously by the gales Daria,
Vivian, and Wiebke in January/February 1990 (each of which generated insured losses at that time of around
US$ 600m).
Powered by
71
A flood of record rainfalls
In line with the forecasts of climate research, numerous severe storms resulted in new precipitation records being set in
many parts of the world and caused regional and supraregional flooding. In Europe too, precipitation and discharge
volumes reached historical highs.
In August, Majorca was swamped in just three hours by up to 224 litres of rain (comparable with the contents of a
bathtub) per square metre, which triggered numerous flash floods, landslides, and debris flows.
In many regions of Europe there were copious falls of torrential rain in the summer months of July and August,
which caused many a river to burst its banks and triggered flash floods. On 12 August in Dresden, for example,
158 litres of rain per square metre fell in just 24 hours, more than twice the amount ever recorded there
previously (77 litres per square metre). In Prague massive efforts were needed to protect the city from the
swollen waters of the Moldova. At the beginning of August, a dramatic flash flood in a holiday village in southern
Russia tore well over 100 people to their deaths.
On 8/9 September in the Rhône valley 670 litres of rain per square metre fell in just 36 hours, which is
distinctly more than half the normal annual rainfall. This caused major damage in villages and vineyards around
the city of Orange in the South of France.
In other parts of the world such as Australia and the United States, on the other hand, there were persistent droughts
and heat waves, which caused severe damage to agriculture and devastating forest fires. These are to be seen as
heralding a new El Nio event (after the last major El Nio in 1997/98). The effects of this phenomena may also be seen
in the recent heavy storms and floods along the entire Pacific coast of the United States and the worst snow storms in
living memory at Christmas in the Midwest and on the East Coast. The peak of the phenomenon a warming of the
areas of the Pacific near the equator, the "weather kitchen" for the whole world - is usually reached towards the end of
the year (hence the name El Nio, the boy child), but it may also be delayed for several months into the next year.
During the last major El Nio event there were extremely severe ice storms in January 1998 in the northeast of the
United States and in the east of Canada, generating insured losses of US$ 1.2bn.
Disastrous and alarming earthquakes

The most severe earthquakes occurred in Afghanistan. At the end of May more than 2,000 people were killed in
a series of tremors in the Hindu Kush mountains in the northwest of the country.
On 1 November an earthquake of medium strength caused a school to collapse in Molise in Central Italy, killing
29 people, including 26 schoolchildren. This event triggered vigorous debates, because the tragic effects could
have been prevented if the quality of the building had been geared to the known earthquake hazard in that area.
Powered by
72
The strongest earthquake of the past year happened on 3 November in Alaska and caused concern among
experts. Its magnitude reached the unusual reading of 7.9 on the Richter Scale. It was only due the fact that the
epicentral area was in a scarcely populated region that the losses were not very extensive.
Throughout the world there were about 70 loss-producing earthquakes, generating economic losses of around US$ 1bn
and insured losses this time amounting to only US$ 11m.
Munich Re Research and consultation for the insurance industry

For almost three decades now, Munich Re has been performing research into the global changes to our environment
and climate, focusing on the effects for the insurance industry and loss prevention. Dr. Gerhard Berz, head of Munich
Re's Geo Risks Research Dept.: "Catastrophe losses are mostly caused by extreme weather events. This was the case
in 2002 too. The experience that has been gathered over the years shows that buildings and infrastructure are usually
not sufficiently designed to cope with the high strains of extreme weather events. The evidence points to critical extreme
wind speeds and precipitation being exceeded with increasing frequency, so that for this reason alone there will
inevitably be a stark increase in the loss burdens as well. 2002 was, along with 1998, the warmest year since
temperature readings began and this is evidence of the still unbroken trend of global warming."
"Climate. The Experiment with Planet Earth"

Munich Re promotes the dissemination of knowledge in this area in many ways. Currently, for instance, it is acting as an
exclusive partner in supporting a special exhibition at the internationally renowned Deutsches Museum called "Climate.
The Experiment with Planet Earth". The exhibition will stay in Munich until 15 June 2003 and will then go on tour. Its aim
is to draw attention to the subject of climate change and to underline the significance of this phenomena, which harbours
considerable risks for human life and property.

In case of enquiries, please contact: Dr. Gerhard Berz (tel.:+49 (89) 38 91-52 90), Thomas Loster (tel.:+49 (89) 38 91-52
87),
or Florian Wst (tel.:+49 (89) 38 91-94 01).

(signed) Heyd (signed) Kppers
Appendix 1: Chart Natural catastrophes 2002

(PDF, 54 KB)
Chart 1
Powered by
73
Chart 2
Appendix 2: The ten largest natural catastrophes in 2002

(PDF, 61 KB)
Mnchener Rck NatCatSERVICE
Die 10 grten Naturkatastrophen 2002
Reihenfolge nach volkswirtschaftlichen Schden
Volksw. Vers.
Datum Land/Region Ereignis Tote Schden US$ Schden US$
Mio. Mio.
4.-20.8. Europa berschwemmungen

230 18.500 3.000
31.8.-6.9. Nord-, Sdkorea Taifun Rusa 150 4.500 170
USA: bes. Drre,

Juli - August 3.300
Nebraska Hitzewellen
Powered by
74
Juni China berschwemmungen
500 3.100
Juli - Dezember Australien Drre 3.000
West-, Wintersturm
26.-28.10. 33 2.300 1.500
Mitteleuropa Jeanett
23.9.-3.10. Karibik. USA Hurrikan Lili 8 2.000 750
7.-22.8. China berschwemmungen

250 1.700
8.-9.9. Frankreich berschwemmungen

23 1.200 450
USA, 17 Tornados,
27.4.-3.5. 10 2.000 1.500
Bundesstaaten Unwetter
Reihenfolge nach versicherten Schden
Volksw. Vers.
Mio. Mio.

230 18.500 3.000
West-, Wintersturm
26.-28.10. 33 2.300 1.500
Mitteleuropa Jeanett
USA, 17 Tornados,
27.4.-3.5. 10 2.000 1.500
Bundesstaaten Unwetter
23.9.-3.10. Karibik. USA Hurrikan Lili 8 2.000 750
USA, bes.
10.-11.11. Tennessee, Tornados 600 460
Ohio, Alabama
8.-9.9. Frankreich berschwemmungen

23 1.200 450
USA, Osten,
30.1.-1.2. Wintersturm 28 400 300
Midwest
Deutschland. Wintersturm
26.-27.2. 3 500 300
Grobritannien Anna
Zentralamerika.
18.-25.9. Hurrikan Isidore 15 850 250
Karibik. USA
Powered by
75
USA, bes. Iowa,
8.-11.3. Unwetter 250 210
Illinois, Michigan
Reihenfolge nach Todesopfern
Volksw. Vers.
Mio. Mio.
25./26./27.3. Afghanistan Erdbeben 2.000
Nepal.
Juli - August Bangladesch. berschwemmungen
1.200 80
Indien
10.-22.5. Indien Hitzewelle 1.100
Juni China berschwemmungen

500 3.100
3.5. Bangladesch Unwetter 270
7.-22.8. China berschwemmungen

250 1.700
22.6. Iran Erdbeben 245 300

230 18.500 3.000
Juli - Oktober Vietnam berschwemmungen

155 25
11.1.-22.2. Indonesien berschwemmungen

150 350 200
Natural catastrophes 2001: no very large losses for the insurance

industry
Earthquake catastrophes at the beginning of the year in El Salvador, India, and the USA / Numerous large typhoons in
the Far East / No new loss records in the overall balance of natural catastrophes, but individual events dramatic /
Weather-related catastrophes increasingly severe
Powered by
76
Preface
Munich Re has produced its traditional review of natural hazard losses in 2001. In the past year at least 25,000 people
lost their lives in natural catastrophes (previous year: 10,000). The number of natural catastrophes, with around 700
such loss events recorded, was above the long-term average (650) but well below the record set the previous year
(850). Economic losses, at about US$ 36bn, exceeded the previous year's figure (US$ 30bn). There was an even
greater increase in insured losses, which rose from the US$ 7.5bn of the previous year to US$ 11.5bn. This is around
50% of the extraordinarily high level of 1999, whereas the economic losses totalled only around a third of the US$ 100bn
recorded in 1999.
In the first two months of the year several earthquakes in El Salvador and India caused major devastation. At the end of
February, a further earthquake shook the Northwest of the United States, damaging numerous buildings and industrial
installations in Greater Seattle.
The hurricane season was marked by above-average activity, with nine hurricanes in the North Atlantic and the
Caribbean, but did not result in extreme losses. In the Far East, on the other hand, new record losses were caused by a
series of large typhoons (including Nari and Pabuk).
At the end of the year unusual weather extremes were again encountered throughout the world: forest fires in Australia,
for example, floods in Brazil and Turkey, snow chaos in central and southern Europe, and a typhoon in Singapore that
had been considered meteorologically impossible, all of them evidence for the hypothesis long propagated by Munich
Re that there is a close connection between climate change and increasing weather-related catastrophes.
Windstorms and floods dominate in the overall balance of natural

catastrophes
Windstorms and floods dominate the overall balance for 2001. They account for more than two-thirds of all the events
(450) and no less than 91% of the insured losses caused by natural catastrophes.
The outstanding event of the year was the tropical storm Allison. Whilst not reaching hurricane strength, this
windstorm in June caused overall losses amounting to US$ 6bn (US$ 3.5bn insured) in the southern United States -
primarily in Texas. It thus went down in history as the costliest non-hurricane tropical storm of all time. Rain falling
for days on end led to chaotic traffic conditions, especially in Houston. A total of more than 100,000 cars sank in the
floods.
Further major floods with numerous victims and large economic losses hit Australia (January), Russia (May),
Poland (July), China (June), and Argentina and Algeria (both November).
Taiwan was hit by several typhoons. Typhoon Nari, which paralysed parts of the capital Taipei in September, is the
costliest windstorm catastrophe to date in the country's insurance history with insured losses of about US$ 600m.
Parts of Taipei's underground railway system were under water for weeks; the stock exchange had to stay closed
for several days.
In Kansas City, the largest hail loss of all time was reported. Roofs and cars were damaged by hailstones, some
almost as big as tennis balls. The hailstorm was part of a huge storm system that sped over large parts of the
United States in April. The insurance industry paid a total sum of almost US$ 2bn.
Powered by
77
In Europe, too, there were many severe storms and hailstorms. Thus several hundred million dollars' worth of damage
was inflicted by a hailstorm in Bavaria on 3rd August.
Series of earthquakes worldwide

Earthquakes devastated large areas. At the beginning of the year, on 13th January, an earthquake in El Salvador
triggered numerous landslides, which buried hundreds of people beneath them; there were 845 victims altogether. A
little less than two weeks later, the earth shook in the densely populated northwest of India. In the Gujarat region
numerous towns and villages within a radius of several hundred kilometres from the epicentre were flattened. A figure of
14,000 victims has been confirmed; it is to be feared that the death toll was actually much higher.
There was a stir in the United States at the end of February, when Seattle was shaken by the severest earthquake in 50
years. Numerous large industrial enterprises along the northwest coast were also affected, including the Boeing aircraft
works. The insurance industry paid more than 10,000 claims with an overall volume of roughly US$ 300m and was
reminded once again after the earthquake catastrophes of San Francisco (1989) and Los Angeles (1994) - of the
enormous loss potential of this natural hazard in the west of the country.
In mid-December the earth was shaken again by a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter Scale.
Fortunately this submarine earthquake near Yonaguni Island in southern Japan did not cause any damage on the
mainland.
Altogether there were 80 earthquake losses around the globe, putting a burden of some US$ 9bn on the economies of
the countries concerned; about a tenth of that amount was insured.
Other events like heat waves, droughts, and forest fires affected many countries of the world. Iran and China suffered
from months of drought (lasting from March to November in each case); in Australia and the United States there were
numerous forest fires, though not as dramatic as in the previous year. According to the statistics of the WMO, 2001 is
after 1998 the second-warmest year since systematic temperature measurements began around 160 years ago, and
thus the 23rd year in succession that has exceeded the average temperature for the years 1961 to 1990. "It is to be
hoped that the Kyoto Protocol will soon be ratified as the first important step towards global climate protection. The
course was set for this by the Seventh World Climate Conference in Marrakesh in November," said Dr. Gerhard Berz,
Head of Geo Risks Research at Munich Re.
Owing to the increase in world population and insured values, especially in highly exposed areas, and owing to the
vulnerability of modern conurbations with high accumulations of values, Munich Re continues to expect significantly
steeper growth in insured losses from natural catastrophes than in economic losses.
The greatest and most significant burden to be carried by the insurance industry in the year 2001 was caused by
terrorism. An additional major natural catastrophe loss event would have stretched the capacity of the international
insurance industry a great deal further. Dr. Wolf-Otto Bauer, Member of Munich Re's Board of Management: "The WTC
disaster has resulted in a greater awareness than ever before of the major losses caused by human hand. The
inconceivable must now be considered by clients, insurers, and reinsurers alike. The same applies to natural hazard
events as well. According to our calculations, extreme loss burdens from natural catastrophes may be even higher than
the insured loss of 11th September 2001."
Powered by
78
Enclosure 1: The ten largest natural catastrophes of 2001
(PDF, 12 KB)
Economic losses

USA: TX, esp. Tropical Storm

517.6 25 6000 3,500
Houston Allison
India: W,
26.1 Earthquake 14,000 4,500 100
Gujarat
USA: esp.
Severe storm,
612.4 MO, Kansas 1 2,500 1,900
hail
City
USA: WA,
28.2 Earthquake 1 2,000 305
Seattle
El Salvador: Earthquake,
13.1 850 1,500 300
C, Santa Tecla landslides
Hurricane
15.11 Caribbean 16 1,000 200
Michelle
2123.8 Japan: W, C Typhoon Pabuk 8 800 500
Taiwan, esp.
1719.9 Typhoon Nari 93 800 600
Taipeh
OctNov Argentina Floods 1 750
2431.7 Poland Floods 25 700 30
Insured losses

USA: TX, esp. Tropical Storm

517.6 25 6,000 3,500
Houston Allison
Powered by
79
USA: esp. MO, Severe storm,
612.4 1 2,500 1,900
Kansas City hail
Taiwan: N, NE,
1719.9 Taifun Nari 93 800 600
C
2123.8 Japan: W, C Taifun Pabuk 8 800 500
USA: IO, MN,

30.41.5 Severe storm 650 485
WS, NE
USA: WI, MN,

912.6 Severe storm 450 335
IA, IL, ND, MI
USA: WA,
28.2 Earthquake 1 2,000 305
Seattle
El Salvador: Earthquake,
13.1 850 1,500 300
C, Santa Tecla landslides
1013.9 Japan: E Typhoon Danas 5 500 300
USA: AR, KS,

MO, OK, TX
Fatalities

India: W,
26.1 Earthquake 14,000 4,500 100
Gujarat
Earthquake,
13.1 El Salvador: C 850 1,500 300
landslides
913.11 Algeria Floods 750 300
Feb Afghanistan Cold spell 650
Vietnam.
AugOct Floods 440 120
Cambodia
13.2 El Salvador: W Earthquake 315
July India. Pakistan Floods 300
Powered by
80
Vietnam. Tropical Storm
712.11 300 80
Philippines Lingling
10-14.8 Iran: C, N, NE Floods 226 5
Nigeria, esp.
AugSep Floods 200 3
Kano State

(PDF, 57 KB)
Table
Losses in US$ Losses in US$

Date Country/Region Event Fatalities m m
economic insured
El Salvador: C,
13.1 Earthquake 845 1,500 300
Santa Tecla
India: W,
26.1 Earthquake 14,000 4,500 100
Gujarat
Feb Afghanistan: W Cold spell 650
13.2 El Salvador: W Earthquake 315
USA: WA,
28.2 Earthquake 1 2,000 305
Seattle
USA: esp. MO, Severe storm,

612.4 1 2,500 1,900
Kansas City hail
USA: IO, MN,

30.41.5 Severe storm 650 485
WS, NE
USA: AR, KS,

MO, OK, TX
USA: TX, esp. Tropical storm

517.6 25 6,000 3,500
Houston Allison
Powered by
81
912.6 USA: WI, MN, Severe storm 450 335
IA, IL, ND, MI
July India Pakistan Floods 300
2431.7 Poland Floods 25 700 30
1018.8 Iran: C, N, NE Floods 226 5
Nigeria, esp.
Aug-Sept Floods 200 3
Kano State
Vietnam.
Aug-Oct Floods 440 120
Cambodia
2123.8 Japan: W, C Typhoon Pabuk 8 800 500
1013.9 Japan: E Typhoon Danas 5 500 300
Taiwan, esp.
1719.9 Typhoon Nari 93 800 600
Taipeh
OctNov Argentina Floods 1 750
Hurricane
15.11 Caribbean 16 1,000 200
Michelle
Vietnam. Tropical Storm

712.11 300 80
Philippines Lingling
913.11 Algeria Floods 750 300
World Map
Powered by
82
Natural catastrophes 2000: Property damage and bodily injury much
lower than in recent years
But new record number of loss events / No all-clear for long-term trend
Preface
Munich Re, the world's leading reinsurer, has presented an initial analysis of the loss events caused by natural hazards
in 2000. The number of natural catastrophes reached a new absolute high, with more than 850 catastrophes recorded
worldwide, one hundred more than in the previous record year of 1999 and two hundred more than the average for the
1990s. The effects in the year 2000 were less severe because the natural catastrophes, though large in number, mainly
happened to affect less densely populated areas; nevertheless, about 10,000 people were killed (previous year: 75,000).
The losses were lower than in the previous year too. Economic losses came to more than US$ 30bn (previous year:
US$ 100bn), with insured losses accounting for US$ 7.5bn (previous year: US$ 22bn). The lack of major earthquakes
and the moderate cyclone season combined with a general absence of losses in heavily populated areas made 2000 a
comparatively inexpensive year as far as losses are concerned.
Windstorms are clearly at the top of the year's list of natural catastrophes with more than 300 events. They dominate the
insurers' loss figures and account for 73% of the insured losses. At the same time, as in previous years, floods play an
important role (23% of the insured losses).
Severe floods throughout the world

So far there has only been one really great catastrophe in the year 2000: the February/March floods in Mozambique,
which made half a million people homeless and attracted attention throughout the world for weeks. Altogether, five
million people were immediately affected by the torrents. All other parts of the world also recorded severe floods which
will find a place in the history of natural catastrophes:
Floods in northern and northeastern India from August to October with some 1,450 fatalities and economic losses
amounting to US$ 1.2bn.
Massive floods in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand in the autumn, which put hundreds of
thousands of houses under water.
Storm surges, mudflows, and landslides in the Swiss and Italian Alps (Valais, Aosta Valley) in mid-October, which
generated economic losses of about US$ 8.5bn. Insured losses will probably total roughly US$ 470 m.
For weeks on end, from mid-October to mid-December, there were floods of historical proportions throughout
Britain, causing property damage of about US$ 1.5bn, 50% of which is likely to have been insured (around US$ 700
m).
Powered by
83
Moderate cyclone season
The cyclone season in the Pacific and the North Atlantic produced a typical number of hurricanes, typhoons, and
cyclones in 2000; fortunately, the exposed countries came off lightly:
In August, the super-typhoon Bilis, which raged in the western Pacific, presented Taiwan with a bill of only a little
more than US$ 100m.
Prapiroon, one of the most violent typhoons of recent years in South Korea, which swept over the peninsula in the
last few days of August, failed to generate the floods that had been expected.
The United States did not suffer any of the dramatic and generally devastating landfalls that had marked
previous years. Central America was the only region to be hit by a severe hurricane: Keith, which reached wind
speeds of 215 km/h, equivalent to stage 4 on the five-stage Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, affected Belize, parts
of Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Europe has so far been spared major winter storms too; the year before, it was already late December when Anatol,
Lothar, and Martin brought about losses of historical dimensions (totalling US$ 17.1bn, of which US$ 10.4bn was
insured).
As far as the other natural catastrophes are concerned including winter damage, droughts, and forest fires the
devastating conflagration in the United States caused major concern. After an extended period of drought, thousands of
square kilometres of forest stood in flames for weeks on end, mainly in the western United States and in New Mexico.
Thousands of people had to be evacuated. Fortunately, relatively few houses actually caught fire. All the same, losses
came to way over US$ 1bn.
Dry weather and drought also hit many countries in Europe. In May and June a severe heat wave destroyed harvest
crops in the southeast of Europe, particularly in Romania. Economic losses are estimated to exceed US$ 300m.
No all-clear in the long term

In spite of the overall loss balance being favourable in 2000, there is no justification for speaking of a change in the trend
as far as loss and damage from natural catastrophes is concerned. Once before, in 1997, the trend towards more
frequent and more substantial natural catastrophes appeared to be interrupted for a short time by a year with
comparatively little loss or damage, only to continue with unbroken force the year after. On account of the growth in the
world's population, which in the highly exposed areas of the world and in particular in the major conurbations is even
increasing at an over-proportionate rate, and the rise in the concentration of property values, the losses generated by
natural catastrophes must be expected to continue increasing in the future.
The latest forecasts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which will shortly be published in the
Panel's third report, show that the subject of climate change must be taken even more seriously than before. Neither in
terms of the expected rises in temperature nor in terms of other important aspects like, for instance, the rise in sea
levels, is there any justification for sounding the all-clear. It is against this backdrop that Dr. Gerhard Berz, Head of
Munich Re's Geoscience Research Group makes his appeal: "We see the failure of the climate summit in The Hague in
November 2000 as a major setback and hope that at least the renegotiations in the summer of 2001 will result in
agreements that are carried by all the parties involved. Global warming must be curbed at all cost." It is to be feared that
the risk situation will deteriorate in many regions of the earth and thus affect insurers too. At any rate Munich Re reckons
Powered by
84
with a distinct increase in weather-related and climate-related natural catastrophes. Already today, these are responsible
for the lion's share of insured catastrophe losses. This is demonstrated by the year just coming to an end.
Munich Re recently published a CD-ROM in two languages (German/English) which deals with natural catastrophes
throughout the world. Digital techniques provide the user with a simple and fast method of identifying the natural hazards
threatening any point on the globe within seconds and permit an initial approximate evaluation.

(PDF, 236 KB)
Table

Country,
Earthquakes Date Fatalities m m
region
economic insured
Earthquakes Japan, Tottori 6.10 150 20
China, SW,
Earthquakes 14.1 5 74
Yunnan
Indonesia,
Earthquakes 4.6 130 6
Sumatra

Country,
Windstorm/Hail Date Fatalities m m
region/states
economic insured
Saomai Japan,
Typhoon Korea, Guam, 1319.9 25 1.300 925
Russia
Tornadoes USA, TX, LA 2829.3 5 650 520
Tornadoes, USA, NC, SC,

2527.5 14 400 315
severe storm AR, TN, TX
Hail Japan, Chiba 24.5 350 290
Kirogi
Typhoon Philippines, 69.7 44 300 200
Japan, Taiwan
Gloria
Cyclone 2.3 130
Madagascar
Powered by
85
Country,
Flood Date Fatalities m m
region
economic insured
Italy,
Floods,
Switzerland, 1320.10 38 8.500 470
landslides
Alps
Britain, NE, W,
Floods Oct/Nov 6 1.500 700
SE
Floods India, N, NE 6.826.10 1,450 1.200
Southern Africa,
Floods esp. Feb/March >1,000 660 50
Mozambique
Southeast Asia,
Floods esp. Sept/Oct 900 460
Vietnam, Thailand

Country,
Others Date Fatalities m m
region
economic insured
Forest fires USA MayAug >1.000 >140
Afghanistan,
Drought JanSept 35 590
Pakistan, India
SE Europe, esp.
Drought June/July 71 300
Romania
Philippines,
Landslide 10.7 210
Manila
World Map
Powered by
86
Mnchener Rck - NatCatSERVICE, 2000
Enclosure 2: 10 significant natural catastrophes in 2000

(PDF, 29 KB)
Mnchener Rck - NatCatSERVICE, 2000
Sorted by Economic losses. Also Sorted by Insured loses and Number of Fatalities (do in Spotfire Dashboard)
Economic losses (US$

Insured losses (US$
Date Country/region Event Deaths
m) m)
Italy, Floods,
13-20.10 38 8,500 470
Switzerland, Alps landslides
Britain: NE, W,
Oct/Nov Floods 6 1,500 700
SE
Japan, Korea, Typhoon

13-19.9 25 >1,300 925
Guam, Russia Saomai, floods
6.8-26.10 India: N, NE Floods 1,450 1,200
USA: S, Drought, heat

May-August 24 1,100
Midwest wave
USA: Various
May-August Forest fires 9 >1,000 140
states
1.6-16.7 China: C, Henan Floods 945
Winter damage,
January-April Mongolia: S, W 7 875
snowstorms
Southern
Feb/March Africa: esp. Floods >1,000 660 50
Mozambique
28-29.3 USA, TX Tornadoes 5 650 520
Powered by
87
A year, a century, and a millennium of natural catastrophes are all
nearing their end 1999 is completely in line with the catastrophe trend
Munich Re publishes a millennium review
Story
In the last one thousand years more than 15 million people have probably died in at least 100,000 natural catastrophes.
This figure does not include catastrophes like droughts and famines which are difficult to assess in numerical terms and
which can certainly be held responsible for the deaths of millions more. Whilst there has been a steep increase in the
number of natural catastrophes and the insured losses they generate due to the higher concentration of people and
values, the number of victims, at least in relation to the growing population of the world as a whole, seems to be
gradually declining thanks to improved early warning systems and protection techniques.
In a comprehensive and lavishly illustrated review of natural catastrophes in the last one thousand years, Munich Re
recalls numerous major events of the past, most of them already forgotten today, like the great North Sea storm surges
from the 13th to the 15th century in which hundreds of thousands drowned, the flood in Henan in China in 1887 (with its
900,000 victims the most lethal catastrophe of the millennium), the Lisbon quake of 1755 (in all probability the strongest
quake ever recorded in Europe, with 30,000 fatalities), and the numerous cyclones that claimed way over one million
lives in India and Bangladesh in the 18th and 19th centuries. Altogether the major catastrophes of the 2nd millennium
claimed the lives of over 12 million people, including about 3.5 million in the 20th century alone. If the large "unknown
quantity" from the innumerable smaller natural catastrophes is also considered, the figures must be assumed to be
altogether much higher. A selection of the most significant natural catastrophes may be seen from the enclosures and
presented in two world maps.
The study takes a particularly close look at developments over the last 50 years, with the trends and the main reasons
for these trends being examined in detail. The number of major natural catastrophes, for example, increased from 20 in
the 1950s to over 80 in the 1990s, i.e. by a factor of more than four, while the economic losses rose from US$ 38bn to
535bn (per decade, based on today's prices) i.e. by a factor of fourteen. On account of the insurance density increasing
throughout the world, the insured losses have risen at almost twice the rate of the economic losses. The frequency of
billion-dollar losses has increased dramatically in the last 20 years and the loss potentials for the insurance industry are
already approaching the US$ 100bn mark for individual large loss scenarios.
Windstorms account for about 70% of the insurers' total claims burden from natural catastrophes, while earthquakes
account for about 18%, floods 6%, and other catastrophes like forest fires and volcanic eruptions likewise 6%. As far as
the economic losses are concerned, however, earthquake leads the field at 35%, ahead of floods (30%), windstorms
(28%) and others (7%). Earthquake is also the main cause in terms of the number of fatalities (47%), followed by
windstorms (45%), floods (7%), and others (1%).
Powered by
88
The principal reasons for the alarming increase in catastrophe losses
population development and urban growth
the development of values
the development of areas exposed to catastrophes
the vulnerability of modern industrial societies to catastrophes
climatic and environmental changes
are presented at length in the study in a set of special articles. With all the major contributory factors exhibiting such
inherent dynamism, the catastrophe development that has been observed cannot be expected to improve in the
foreseeable future. The fears that Munich Re has been expressing in this connection over the last 10 years and more
have sadly been confirmed in every respect, including the average annual claims burden for the insurance industry due
to major natural catastrophes of US$ 20bn 30bn which the company forecast for the turn of the century way back in
1993.
In 1999 there were numerous spectacular large catastrophes (the earthquakes in Colombia, Turkey, Greece, and
Taiwan; the winter of avalanches in the Alps; the floods in central Europe and south-eastern Asia; the tornadoes in
Oklahoma in the United States and the hailstorm in Sydney, Australia; the tropical cyclones Floyd in the United States,
Bart in Japan, and Cyclone 05 B in Orissa, India) so that the year as a whole was completely in line with the trend. The
number of catastrophe events registered in 1999 was well over 700 and again far surpassed the record set in the
previous year (702) with the average in the past ten years being just over 600. Economic losses have only twice been
higher than 1999's figure of US$ 80bn: in 1998 (US$ 93bn) and 1995 (US$ 180bn, on account of the earthquake in
Kobe, Japan). Also, the insured losses amounting to about US$ 18bn were the third highest figure following 1992 (US$
26bn, on account of Hurricane Andrew in Florida) and 1994 (US$ 21bn, on account of the earthquake in Northridge/Los
Angeles). However violent the winter storms were that caused extensive damage as they crossed northern parts of
central and eastern Europe at the beginning of December (for Denmark, in fact, it was the worst storm of the century),
they were nowhere near the extent reached by the great series of winter storms in 1990, which cost the European
insurance industry no less than US$ 10bn.
The recording of catastrophe data on a global scale, which Munich Re's Geoscience Research Group (comprising 14
scientists under its head, Dr. Gerhard Berz) has been practising for over 25 years, has yielded a unique archive of data
that is used today by scientists, engineers, and authorities from all over the world. The Geoscience Research Group
also carries out detailed studies and advisory programmes regarding exposure situations in individual countries and
particularly with regard to the potential loss burden to be borne by individual insurance companies and markets. In the
last two decades Munich Re's scientists and engineers have also visited the sites of way over 50 natural catastrophes
throughout the world to examine the situation on the spot (1999: the earthquakes in Colombia, Turkey, Greece, and
Taiwan) and have published their findings in numerous reports.
Powered by
89
Munich Re's review of natural catastrophes in 1998: A year with an
exceptionally large number of natural catastrophes / Losses above US$
90bn, of which US$ 15bn insured
Dramatic increase in long-term loss trend persists / The warmer the winters, the more storms in Europe
Story
In 1998 natural catastrophes claimed the lives of about 50,000 people throughout the world (previous year: 13,000).
Economic losses exceeded US$ 90bn (previous year: US$ 30bn), the second highest total ever after 1995 (US$ 180bn,
due to the Kobe earthquake). Owing mainly to the generally low insurance density in the countries that were hit by
natural catastrophes, the international insurance industry again had to pay only about 15% of this amount, although its
bill of some US$ 15bn (previous year: US$ 4.5bn) was still the fourth highest ever.
On the basis of the criteria it always uses for recording natural catastrophes, the Munich Reinsurance Company
registered more than 700 large loss events in 1998. The numbers registered in recent years have ranged between 530
and 600. The most frequent natural catastrophes were windstorms (240) and floods (170), which together accounted for
85% of the economic losses and no less than 90% of the insured catastrophe losses. Earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions (110) and other events (190) such as forest fires, droughts, heat waves, cold spells, landslides, and
avalanches were less frequent and again caused much less damage in 1998. However, the severe earthquakes at the
beginning of February and the end of May in Afghanistan with fatalities of over 9,000 made a substantial contribution to
the year's sad toll. The only positive headlines were made by the "non-catastrophe of the year", the Leonid meteor
shower, which passed the earth on 17th and 18th November without boring holes through satellites and spacecraft as
had been feared.
At the beginning of the 1990s the events that hit the headlines were mainly earthquakes and windstorms (winter gales in
Europe in 1990, Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, the earthquakes in California in 1994 and in Japan in 1995); in
1997 the most notable events were, as in the two years previous, several floods. Throughout the world, the public held
its breath for many weeks at the sight of the catastrophic floods in China. Over 3,600 lives were lost and losses of US$
30bn made this the most expensive event of the year. As there was relatively little insurance cover, the bill for the
insurance industry was only US$ 1bn. After the El Nio year of 1997 with its extremely dry weather and innumerable
forest fires, the entire area of southeast Asia experienced exactly the opposite and almost literally drowned in
exceptionally heavy monsoon rains resulting from a pronounced La Nia phase.
There were also severe floods and storm surges in the wake of tropical cyclones, as for example in the west Indian
province of Gujurat in June (Cyclone 03 A with more than 10,000 fatalities) and Central America at the end of October.
Hurricane Mitch, one of the most tragic catastrophes of recent years, claimed over 9,000 lives at the end of October,
above all in Honduras and Nicaragua. In fact, 1998 was a year in which many regions of the world suffered very large
losses as a result of tropical cyclones, such as Hurricane Georges in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico (with insured
losses of US$ 3.3bn it was the third most expensive hurricane in American insurance history and the largest insured loss
Powered by
90
of the year) and Typhoon Vicki in Japan.
The unusually large number of tropical cyclones and other extreme weather conditions, such as the heat wave, forest
fires, and storms in the United States and the ice storm in the southeast of Canada at the beginning of the year, may in
part be explained by the natural climate fluctuations of El Nio and La Nia. A key role may also have been played by
the fact that in terms of the mean global temperature 1998 was by far the warmest year since measurements were first
taken worldwide around 150 years ago and chalked up yet another record in the trend of global warming observed over
the last two decades. The noticeable accumulation of extreme atmospheric events may be taken as an indication that
global warming is leading to an exacerbation of the natural catastrophe hazard in many regions of the world. As recent
years in Europe have shown: the warmer the winters, the more frequent and more severe the storms. This is
demonstrated once again by the present situation over the British Isles.
Dr. Gerhard Berz, the head of the Geoscience Research Group at Munich Re: "A further advance in man-made climate
change will almost inevitably bring us increasingly extreme natural events and consequently increasingly large
catastrophe losses. The progress achieved at the fourth climate summit in Buenos Aires at the beginning of November
is not enough to halt global warming and stabilize the world's climate in the long term."
Nevertheless, even radical environmental protection measures cannot prevent the occurrence of ever more and ever
costlier natural catastrophes worldwide. Comparing the figures for the 1960s and the last ten years, Munich Re has
established that the number of great natural catastrophes was three times larger and cost the world's economies after
adjusting for inflation nine times and the insurance industry fifteen times as much. The main reasons for this dramatic
increase are the concentration of population and values in an ever growing number of larger and larger cities, which are
often located in high-risk zones, the greater susceptibility of modern industrial societies to catastrophes, the accelerating
deterioration of natural environmental conditions, and also, as far as insured losses are concerned, the increasing
insurance density in the sector of natural hazards. A change in the trend is not in sight.
10 major natural disasters 1998 worldwide
Date Event Country Economic Insured Deaths

losses losses
Mio US$ Mio US$
5.-10.1. Ice storm Canada, USA 2,500 1,150 23
4.2. Earthquake Afghanistan,

Takhar 4,600
Powered by
91
30.5. Earthquake Afghanistan,
Takhar 4,500
Mai-Aug. Heat wave,

forest fires USA 4,275 130
Mai-Sept. Floods China 30,000 1,000 3,656
9.-11.6. Tropical
cyclone 03A India, Gujarat 1,700 400 10,000
Juli-Sept. Floods Bangladesh,

India 5,000 4,500
17.-30.9. Hurricane Caribbean,

Georges USA 10,000 3,300 4,000
22.-25.9. Typhoon Nr. 7

(Vicki) Japan 1,500 700 18
30.10.-8.11. Hurricane Central

Mitch America,
esp.
Honduras,
Nicaragua 5,000 150 9,200
10 major natural disasters 1998 Europe
Date Event Country Economic Insured Deaths

losses losses
Mio US$ Mio US$
1.-5.1. Winter storms United

Cilly, Kingdom.
Desire, Fanny France. Spain.
Portugal.
Belgium.
Netherlands. 500 350 15
Powered by
92
Germany.
Switzerland.
Austria. Poland
9.-13.4. Floods United

Kingdom 500 250 5
4.-5.5. Mudslides Italy 150
8.-30.6. Floods Rumania 160 31
Juni-Aug. Heat wave,

forest fires Greece 675 4 14
20.7.-14.8. Floods Slowakia.

Czech
Republic.
Poland 100 16 52
14.-15.9. Flash floods Netherlands.

Belgium 530
24.-25.10. Winter storm United

Winnie, Kingdom.
floods Netherlands.
Germany.
Switzerland 500 220 3
27.10.-2.11. Winter storm

Xylia, Germany.Netherlands.
floods Switzerland 150 90 6
16.-25.11. Cold wave Rumania.

Poland.
Latvia.
Lithunia.
Russia.
Moldova.
France. Italy >215
Powered by
93
Munich Re's review of the year's natural catastrophes: 1997, a year with
exceptionally few natural catastrophes: losses close to US$ 30bn, of
which US$ 4.5bn insured
In the long term, dramatic increase in loss trend persists
Story
In 1997 natural catastrophes claimed the lives of about 13,000 people throughout the world (compared with 12,000 in
the previous year). Economic losses approached US$ 30bn (previous year: US$ 60bn).
With a bill for some US$ 4.5bn (previous year: US$ 9bn), the international insurance industry had to pay no more than
about 15% of this amount, this being due to a generally low insurance density in the countries that were hit by natural
catastrophes.
The Munich Reinsurance Company registered a total of 530 large loss events in 1997. This is distinctly below the
numbers recorded in previous years, which ranged between 580 and 600. The most frequent natural catastrophes were
windstorms (170) and floods (140), which accounted for 82% of the economic losses and no less than 97% of the
insured catastrophe losses. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (100), and other events (120) such as forest fires,
droughts, heat waves, cold spells, landslides, and avalanches were less frequent and caused much less damage in
1997.
At the beginning of the 1990s the events that hit the headlines were mainly earthquakes and windstorms (winter gales in
Europe in 1990, Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, the earthquakes in California in 1994 and in Japan in 1995); in
1997 the most notable event was, as in 1996, a flood. In eastern Central Europe the heaviest precipitation in living
memory raised the flood stages of the rivers Oder, Nysa, and Morava to absolute record levels in July. Wide stretches of
land in Poland and the Czech Republic were swamped. Economic losses came to around US$ 5.3bn, the bulk of which
was recorded in Poland (US$ 2.9bn) and in the Czech Republic (US$ 1.8bn). Here too the insurance industry had to pay
around 15% of the total, with a claims bill of roughly US$ 800m; a sizeable share of the agricultural losses and of the
damage to buildings and infrastructure was not insured. Other regions of the world such as the United States, China,
Myanmar, the Pacific coast of Latin America, and finally Somalia were swamped by devastating floods, in which
thousands lost their lives.
At the centre of attention for many weeks were the forest and bush fires in Indonesia and later in Australia, which were
attributed to a particularly strong El Nio in the equatorial Pacific and the resulting dry conditions in the western Pacific.
The recurrent and long familiar El Nio was also blamed for the floods in South America and Somalia and a number of
major hurricanes along the Pacific coast of Mexico, so that it seems to be turning into the "scapegoat of the year",
although, to be fair, it could also have received credit for the extremely low hurricane activity in the North Atlantic and in
the Caribbean.
Powered by
94
In Central Italy a series of mighty earth tremors held the inhabitants of Umbria and The Marches in a state of fear and
anxiety for weeks. There was major destruction in many towns and villages, with damage above all to unique structures
such as the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi. The toll was even worse in Iran, where a number of earthquakes
claimed the lives of over 2,300 people. The attached list of ten outstanding natural catastrophes includes, in addition to
some of the events already mentioned, two typhoons that caused windstorm and flood losses in the Far East from
Thailand to Japan.
Dr. Gerhard Berz, meteorologist and head of the Geoscience Research Group at Munich Re: "The fact that extreme
atmospheric events accounted for such a large proportion of the losses is further evidence for us of the expected
change in the environment and climate in many regions of the world. New extreme values for various atmospheric
parameters like precipitation and wind velocity will often have catastrophic effects. For many years, therefore, we have
been calling for comprehensive and speedy measures aimed at curbing man-made changes in the environment. The
outcome of the negotiations at the climate summit in Kyoto thus represents an important but still inadequate step in this
direction."
Nevertheless, even radical environmental protection measures cannot prevent the occurrence of ever more and ever
costlier catastrophes worldwide. Comparing the figures for the 1960s and the last ten years, Munich Re has established
that the number of major natural catastrophes was three times larger and cost the world's economies after adjusting
for inflation eight times and the insurance industry fourteen times as much. The main reasons for this dramatic
increase are the increasing concentration of population and values in the cities, which are often located in high-risk
zones, and in the greater susceptibility of modern industrial societies to disruptions in the infrastructure. A change in this
development is not in sight.
1996 another year of natural catastrophes: floods, windstorms,

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions claim 11,000 lives and cause losses
exceeding US$ 60bn
Bill for the insurance industry worldwide only US$ 9bn
Story
In 1996 over 11,000 people lost their lives in natural catastrophes throughout the world, which also caused economic
losses of around US$ 60bn. As the Munich Reinsurance Company states in its annual review of catastrophes, the
number of large loss events it registered reached a new record of 600 (previous year: 577). The majority of these were
windstorms (200) or floods (170), the rest being distributed among earthquakes (50), volcanic eruptions (30), and other
events (150) such as forest fires, droughts, heat waves, cold spells, landslides, and avalanches.
Whilst in 1994 and 1995 it was the earthquake catastrophes of California and Kobe in Japan that made the headlines,
the most notable event of 1996 was a flood in China. From the end of June to mid-August large areas along the Yangtze
Powered by
95
river were hit by the worst flooding for 150 years. About 20 million people were affected, 2 million being made homeless
and 2,700 losing their lives in the flood waters or the resulting landslides. According to official sources, the overall
economic loss came to more than US$ 26bn, of which only a small portion, just under US$ 400m, was insured. Other
regions in Asia, like Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Bangladesh were again swamped by devastating
floods.
Last season's largest windstorm event was Hurricane Fran. Although it had lost much of its force by the time it reached
the Northeast of the United States, it still caused losses there exceeding US$ 3bn, about half of which were insured
losses. In the North Atlantic hurricane season, which was marked by an unusually high level of activity as in 1995, there
were 12 other tropical cyclones, none of which, however, reached catastrophic proportions. A series of cyclones in the
northwestern Pacific, where they are designated typhoons, led to extreme damage from high winds, storm surges, and
flooding in Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In many regions of the world,
particularly the United States, severe devastation was caused by winter gales, including blizzards, hailstorms, and
tornadoes.
The losses due to earthquake and volcanic eruption, on the other hand, happened to be far below the long-term
average. The greatest coverage in the press was given to the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Bardabunga, which in
October melted the glacier over it and thus triggered a flood of melt water with a peak discharge of 45,000 m3/sec,
roughly equivalent to four times the discharge of the Lower Rhine during the flood in January 1995.
Many regions of the world were affected by severe forest fires and bush fires in 1996, most of which were the result of
prolonged heat waves and periods of drought. Covering an expanse of over 100,000 km2, the steppe fire that raged
across Mongolia in April was nothing short of historical in its dimensions.
The world's largest reinsurer put the claims to be paid by the insurance industry at around US$ 9bn. This amount like
the amounts recorded in the previous few years is well below 1992's record figure of US$ 24bn. This again was mainly
due to the low insurance density in many of the countries hit by catastrophes.
Nevertheless, the trend towards ever more and ever costlier catastrophes continues. In comparison with the 1960s, five
times as many natural catastrophes occur nowadays, costing the world's economies taking inflation into account
eight times and the insurance industry fifteen times as much. The Munich Re sees the main reasons for this trend in the
increasing concentration of population and values in the cities, which are constantly growing in size and number and are
often located in high-risk zones, and in the greater susceptibility of modern industrial societies to disruptions in the
infrastructure.
What is more, in many regions of the world the increasingly discernible changes in the environment and climate are
leading to a greater probability of new extremes in terms of temperatures, amounts of precipitation, water levels, wind
velocities, and other parameters that are often finally reflected in catastrophes. This is why the Munich Re has long been
pleading for measures to be taken with a view to curbing man-made changes in the environment.
Powered by
96

2011 Natural Disasters Costliest On Record

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2011 Natural Disasters Costliest On Record

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2011 Natural Disasters Costliest on Record

Last year costliest on record for natural disasters

Review of natural catastrophes in 2011: Earthquakes result in record

Munich, 4 January 2012 | Reinsurance

The earth shakes: 11 March, the Tohoku earthquake

The earth shakes II: The Christchurch earthquake

Weather-related catastrophes: Floods in Thailand

North America: Many storms but few hurricanes in North America

Note for editorial departments

Media Relations Munich, Michael Able

Media contact in Asia, Nikola Kemper

Media Relations USA, Terese Rosenthal

Munich, 4 January 2012

Overview Natural catastrophes in 2011

Natural catastrophes in 2011

Average of the last Average of the last

Number of events 820 970 790 630

Fatalities 27,000 296,000 106,000 69,000

The five largest natural catastrophes of 2011

Ranking by overall losses

Country/ Overall losses Insured losses

22.2.2011 New Zealand Earthquake 181 16,000 13,000

22.8-2.9.2011 USA, Caribbean Hurricane Irene 55 15,000 7,000

Ranking by insured losses

Country/ Overall losses Insured losses

22.2.2011 New Zealand Earthquake 181 16,000 13,000

22.8-2.9.2011 USA, Caribbean Hurricane Irene 55 15,000 7,000

Ranking by number of fatalities

Date Country/Region Event Fatalities

11.3.2011 Japan Earthquake, tsunami 15,840

12/16.1.2011 Brazil Landslides/flash floods 1,348

16-18.12.2011 Philippines Tropical Storm Washi 1,257

1.8-15.11.2011 Thailand Floods, landslides 813

2012 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Geo Risks Research, NatCatSERVICE

Natural catastrophes 2011

Number of Events With Trend for 1980-2011

Overall and Insured Losses with Trend for 1980-2011

Wold Map Natural Catastrophes 2011

Munich, 3 January 2011 | Reinsurance

Hurricane season in the North Atlantic: Lucky escape

Asia and America most frequently affected by catastrophes

Volcano on Iceland paralyses air traffic

Note for editorial departments

Media Relations Munich, Michael Able

Media contact in Asia, Nikola Kemper

Media Relations USA, Terese Rosenthal

Munich, 3 January 2011

Video statement Prof. Peter Hppe

(Windows Media, 142 MB, ZIP)

Natural catastrophes in 2010

Natural catastrophes in 2010

Number of events 950 900 785 615

Fatalities 295,000 11,000 77,000 66,000

The five largest natural catastrophes of 2010

Ranking by overall losses

12.1.2010 Haiti Earthquake 222,570 8,000 200

June 2010 China Floods 260 6,100

Ranking by insured losses

*Loss estimation in progress

Ranking by number of fatalities

Date Country/Region Event Fatalities

12.1.2010 Haiti Earthquakes 222,570

July Sept. 2010 Russia Heat wave, forest fires 56,000