Natural disaster losses hit $72 billion in first half 2022: Swiss Re

Zurich: Total economic losses caused by natural disasters hit an estimated $72 billion in the first half of 2022, Swiss reinsurance giant Swiss Re said Tuesday.

The Zurich-based group, which acts as an insurer for insurers, said the losses were fuelled by winter storms in Europe, unprecedented flooding in Australia and South Africa as well as heavy thunderstorms in the United States and Europe.