2018 catastrophes News

Indonesia Quake Losses Exceed Several Hundred Million Dollars; Deaths Pass 430

The death toll from the earthquake that rocked the Indonesian island of Lombok a week ago has passed 430 and the government is estimating economic losses will exceed several hundred million dollars. The national disaster agency said Monday the Aug. …

Philippine Flooding Kills at Least 6, Displaces Many Thousands

At least six people died and tens of thousands fled their homes as monsoon rain triggered flooding in the Philippine capital and nearby areas, reminiscent of the deadly Typhoon Ketsana nine years ago. About 1.1 million people have been affected …

July’s Droughts, Wildfires, Floods Caused Billions in Global Economic Losses: Aon

Many countries across the globe saw worsening in drought-related and wildfire conditions during July, which have led to hundreds of deaths and created a significant financial impact – particularly in the agriculture, forestry, water management and fisheries industries. This was …

3rd Major Earthquake Hits Indonesian Island of Lombok; Deaths Top 300

The Indonesian island of Lombok was shaken by a third big earthquake in little more than a week Thursday as the official death toll from the most powerful of the quakes topped 300. The strong aftershock, measured at magnitude 5.9 …

Portugal Battles Wildfire as Intense Heat Wave Continues Across Europe

Emergency services in Portugal continued their fight Monday against a major, four-day wildfire on the south coast that threatened to engulf a hillside town overnight. The Civil Protection Agency said 44 people required medical assistance as the blaze passed by …

Powerful Earthquake Slams Indonesian Island of Lombok, Killing at Least 98

A powerful earthquake flattened houses and toppled bridges on the Indonesian tourist island of Lombok, killing at least 98 people and shaking neighboring Bali, as authorities said Monday that rescuers still hadn’t reached some devastated areas and the death toll …

Strong Earthquake Hits Indonesia’s Lombok Island, Killing at Least 14 People

A strong and shallow earthquake early Sunday killed at least 14 people and injured more than 160 on Indonesia’s Lombok island, a popular tourist destination next to Bali, officials said. The quake damaged more than 1,000 houses and was felt …

Tropical Storm Hits Japan, Heads for Region Still Recovering from Floods

A tropical storm in Japan disrupted transportation and knocked out power to thousands of homes in its path as it headed west toward a region still recovering from devastating rains earlier this month. At least 16 people have been injured, …

After Recent Historic Floods, Japan Readies for Typhoon Jongdari

Typhoon Jongdari is set to make landfall on Japan’s mainland this weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to much of a country hit in recent weeks by a deadly heatwave and historic flooding. The typhoon was located off Chichijima, …

Global H1 Insured Natural Disaster Losses 40% Lower than 10-Year Average: Aon

Global insured losses from natural disasters for the first half were preliminarily estimated at US$21 billion, which is 40 percent lower than the 10-year average of US$35 billion and 19 percent lower than the 18-year average of US$26 billion, according …