Die SCNAT und ihr Netzwerk setzen sich für eine nachhaltige Gesellschaft und Wissenschaft ein. Sie unterstützen Politik, Verwaltung und Wirtschaft mit Fachwissen und pflegen den Dialog mit der Öffentlichkeit. Sie stärken den Austausch über die wissenschaftlichen Disziplinen hinweg und fördern den akademischen Nachwuchs.

Bild: Sebastian, stock.adobe.com

Natural catastrophes in 2013

Preliminary estimates by reinsurers

According to preliminary estimates total economic losses from natural catastrophes in 2013 are estimated between USD 125 and 130 billion. This is below the average figure of the past ten years, which is USD 184 billion. Regrettably, more than 20 000 people were killed due to natural catastrophes. This meant that the number of death was higher than in 2012 (14 000), but significantly below the average of the past ten years (106 000).

Teaser: Natural catastrophes in 2013

Exceptionally high losses from weather-related catastrophes in Europe and Supertyphoon Haiyan dominated the overall picture of natural catastrophes in 2013.
The most severe catastrophe in human terms was caused by Supertyphoon Haiyan, which tore across the southern Philippines on 7 November, with maximum wind speeds of over 300 km/h. Over 6 000 people were killed in the storm, and millions were left homeless. The harvest in this significant agricultural region, with extensive sugar cane cultivation, was largely destroyed. The overall loss was equivalent to around 5 % of the Philippines' annual economic output. Insured losses, however, are expected to be modest as insurance penetration is low in the country.
The costliest natural catastrophe of the year in terms of overall economic losses was the flooding in southern and eastern Germany and the neighbouring states at the beginning of June. Overall losses are estimated at about USD 16 billion, with insured losses at about USD 3 to 4 billion.

> Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters in 2013, sigma 1/2014

> (German) Natur- und Man-made-Katastrophen 2013, sigma 1/2014

Kategorien

  • Extremereignisse