Severe winter storms wreak havoc

A powerful storm system in February surged through parts of central and eastern United States, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 200 others, reported Aon Benfield.

The US Storm Prediction Center (SPC) confirmed at least 36 tornado touchdowns in more than 10 states, with total economic and insured losses likely to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The severe outbreak was topped off by a force 4 tornado in Harrisburg, Illinois, which caused considerable damage.

Outside the US, Eastern Europe continued to be impacted by extreme cold and snow during the first half of February.

This led to the deaths of at least 824 people. Total economic losses in Serbia alone were estimated at €500m, according to Aon Benfield’s report, which was written by Impact Forecasting.

Winter weather also led to damage and fatalities in parts of Asia. In China, blizzards in Tibet caused upwards of €19m in economic damages.

In Australia flooding was prevalent during February, with parts of southwest Queensland and northern New South Wales sustaining the most impact.

The Insurance Council of Australia declared a catastrophe, with at least 5,657 claims filed and payouts in excess of €90m, reported Aon Benfield.

Earthquakes in the central Philippines left at least 116 people dead or missing and injured 112 more. Extensive damage was reported to homes and infrastructure with total economic losses estimated at €750m. Total insured losses are expected to be around €75m.

Steve Jakubowski, president of Impact Forecasting, commented: “Following last year’s record number of tornado related casualties and the nearly $26bn (€19bn) in insured losses sustained due to severe weather events, there is a heightened sense of awareness for the peril in 2012.”

“As the calendar turns into March, the US is entering the start of severe weather season, which is a period where increased activity is historically found across central and eastern sections of the country.”