The natural catastrophes of the first 2009 semester have cost insurers very dearly

The climate events occurring in the first semester of 2009 have cost the insurers some 11 billion USD according to Munich Re, a figure well above that of the average ten years, as disastrous meteorology has, this time, affected high-density insurance areas. As to the total losses, including those which are not covered by insurance, they amount to 25 billion USD, well above the annual average estimated at 42 billion USD. These damages have been caused by thunderstorms, tornados, hail storms and other natural catatrophes which hit Europe and the United States.

About 380 natural catastrophes have been listed worldwide during the first six months of 2009. The Klaus storm has been the hardest financially with 2.3 billion USD of insured damages.