The latest Global Catastrophe Recap report from London-based Aon Benfield reveals that multiple severe weather outbreaks during January in the United States killed 27 people and caused economic losses of more the $1 billion. Insured losses were in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Tornadoes, storms
The most prolific event occurred during the second half of the month, most heavily impacting the states of Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida. Thousands of homes, businesses and other structures were damaged or destroyed, and states of emergency were declared in Mississippi and Georgia.
The U.S. National Weather Service preliminarily confirmed that at least 130 tornadoes touched down during the month — the highest number of January tornadoes since 1999, when 212 tornadoes touched down.
California flooding
Additionally, consecutive winter storms brought extreme precipitation across the U.S. West. The most significant damage was recorded in California due to flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows. Total economic losses from the early January event were expected to approach $700 million, while public and private insurance losses were listed around $300 million.
"January proved to be a highly active month for global natural hazards compared to recent years, especially when we look at the events in the U.S., where the powerful thunderstorms and winter storms had a devastating effect on people and communities, as well as causing a significant economic loss for country," said Steve Bowen, Aon's Impact Forecasting director and meteorologist.
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.
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