Economic losses from natural disasters fall to $100 bn in first half of 2026: Swiss Re
Swiss Re said second-half hurricane and wildfire risks could lift losses after a quieter first half, even as long-term catastrophe drivers stay elevated.
- On Tuesday, the Swiss Re Institute estimated global insured natural disaster losses reached $42 billion in the first half of 2026, a 16% decrease from the 10-year average and the lowest level since 2020.
- Severe storms remained the primary cause of claims, totaling an estimated $28 billion; despite above-average activity, losses stayed below long-term averages because high-risk areas in the United States, such as Texas, were largely spared.
- Total insured losses reached $48 billion, which is 15% lower than the 10-year average, while total economic losses are expected to amount to $107 billion, well below the $152 billion recorded in 2025.
- "A less costly first half of the year does not mean the risk has gone away," said Balz Grollimund, director of Catastrophe Perils, warning one major hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire could quickly change the situation.
- Swiss Re warned the El Nino climate pattern, expected to peak later this year, could accentuate disaster costs; wildfires remain "the fastest-growing weather peril globally," with insured losses in Europe rising by around 8-11% annually since 1970.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Economic losses from natural disasters have decreased by 10% compared to the average of the last 10 years in the first half of the year, amounting to 100 billion dollars (about 86,600 million euros), informed Swiss Re this Tuesday, 11 August. According to the Swiss multinational's half-yearly report, the insurance account has risen to 42 billion dollars (about 36,347 million euros), which represents a decrease of 16% and the lowest half-yearly v…
Natural disasters: insurers brace for second half of 2026
Insurers have had a relatively quiet first half of 2026 in terms of natural disasters, according to estimates from the Zurich-based reinsurer Swiss Re. However, the cost could rise in the second half of the year.
Natural disasters caused $100 billion (€87 billion) in economic damage worldwide in the first half of 2026, reports Swiss reinsurer Swiss Re. The damage was lower than the $152 billion in the first six months of last year.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
