Worldwide natural catastrophes

Other natural catastrophe events that occurred worldwide during January include:

The worst wildfires in Chile's modern history killed at least 11 people, damaged or destroyed an estimated 2,500 structures and vehicles, and more than 1.1 million acres of land nationwide. Preliminary damage and firefighting costs were listed at $890 million.
Exceptional rainfall in southern Thailand killed at least 96 people, and inundated as many as 585,000 homes and other structures. Total economic losses were estimated to reach or exceed $860 million.
Severe flooding was also registered in Malaysia, where more than 25,000 people were evacuated in Terengganu and Kelantan states after widespread damage was noted. The government cited combined economic losses at $132 million.
Other major flood events occurred in Peru, South Africa, Angola, China, Philippines, and French Polynesia.
A stretch of bitterly cold Arctic air engulfed much of Europe during the first half of the month, killing at least 76 people.
Windstorm Egon caused an estimated insurable damage of more than $170 million across the U.K., France and Germany.
Severe winter storm events were recorded in the U.S. and Canada.
A series of moderate earthquakes hit central Italy on January 18, resulting in damage and avalanches that led to at least 30 casualties.

Related: 10 trends expected to shape the casualty insurance market in 2017

Special Reports /