NU Online News Service, Sept. 23, 12:09 p.m. EDT

Catastrophe modeler AIR Worldwide says it expects between $150 million and $600 million in insured losses from Typhoon Roke, which crossed over Japan's main island, Honshu, earlier this week.

AIR says the estimate is similar to its estimate for Typhoon Talas, but the firm says the storms are different from a meteorological perspective. Losses from Roke, AIR notes, are mitigated by how quickly the storm moved over Honshu, passing across the island in just 12 hours.

The most readily available damage reports are from typhoon-induced flooding, AIR says, with the latest information from the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency's (FDMA) suggesting that roughly 550 homes have experienced inundation above the first-floor level and more than 1,160 homes have experienced inundation below the first floor.

AIR notes that flood damage in Japan is not automatically included in wind policies.

Yesterday, AIR said that, in the countryside along affected areas, wood frame homes dominate residential construction, and many have heavy, clay-tile roofs meant to prevent damage from wind. AIR expects minor roof damage and little or no structural damage to these homes, and to larger multi-family apartment buildings and commercial and industrial structures. Modern urban structures are similarly expected to withstand Roke's wind speeds with minimal damage, as Japan has strict and well-enforced construction codes, AIR says.

Risk Management Solutions, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), said yesterday that Roke passed 30 miles to the northwest of the Japanese capital, Tokyo, with winds at tropical-storm strength, though there are few damage reports from Tokyo. Roke continued to track northeast beyond Tokyo, which saw the system impact areas that were affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

According to the Associated Press, officials at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant say the storm did not affect the facility. Concerns had been raised that the storm could have an impact.

Special Reports /

AIR: Up to $600M in Typhoon Roke Insured Losses

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