Storms inflict havoc on Central and Eastern Europe

Severe storms ripped reportedly through Central and Eastern Europe killing 11 people and causing extensive damage to houses, property and crops.

According to a catastrophe report from reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter the storms hit on july 23 and 24 leaving a trail of destruction through Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.

Winds reached speeds of 130 kmph (80mph) in some areas, downing trees and power lines, officials reported. In the worst hit areas the winds ripped roofs off houses, snapped dozens of power lines, blocked several roads and downed trees, said the reports.

The strong winds, combined with heavy rain and large hail, cut power to at least 150,000 households, said Guy Carp.

Austrian insurance company Österreichische Hagelversicherung said it expects a bill of around €20m associated with the storm damage to crops.

Crops were badly damaged by golf ball-sized hail, with fields of fruit, wheat, sunflowers and vegetables near Lake Geneva badly damaged, read Guy Carp’s incident report.

Early estimates suggest the cost of the damage in Switzerland will total around 20 million Swiss francs (USD19 million).

The storms were caused when hot air masses from North Africa clashed with cooler air systems from western Europe.