Natural disasters cause 135 billion USD in losses in first half of 2025

Natural disasters caused an estimated 135 billion USD in economic losses worldwide during the first half of 2025, surpassing the average for both the past ten and thirty years.

According to Swiss Re, total losses reached 135 billion USD, while Munich Re reported a slightly lower figure of 131 billion USD.Insured losses rose sharply to 80 billion USD, compared with 62 billion USD over the same period in 2024.

The most costly disaster so far this year was the wildfire that broke out in Los Angeles in January 2025. Total losses from the blaze are estimated at 123 billion USD, with insured damages reaching nearly 40 billion USD, which represents a record for a single wildfire event.

Despite the surge in disaster-related costs, major insurers and reinsurers continue to report strong financial results, aided in part by improved risk selection strategies. With the year not yet over, Swiss Re forecasts that total insured losses in 2025 could surpass 150 billion USD./p>