Australia News

Relief Flights Reach Flood Stricken Australian City as Waters Rise

Military flights rushed Monday to restock an Australian city before it is cut off by floodwaters that have turned a huge swath of the Outback into a lake, while police confirmed two more deaths in the crisis. Drenching rain that …

U.S. Analyst: China May Be ‘Likely Bright Spot’ in Asia Climate Action

The outcome of U.N. climate talks in Mexico this month should boost steps in Asia to curb greenhouse gas emissions, with China a likely bright spot in 2011, a senior analyst at a leading U.S. think tank said. The talks …

Rising Rivers Prompt Evacuations of Australian Towns

The military flew out a town’s entire population of 300 people by helicopter Wednesday in eastern Australia where waters continued to rise after days of drenching rain. A total of 1,000 people were evacuated from the town of Theodore and …

Heavy Rains, Floods Disrupt Australia Coal Mining, Port, Freight Operations

Heavy rains and flooding in Australia’s key coal-producing Queensland state have impacted mining operations and brought parts of the coal infrastructure, including rail and ports, to a standstill, operators said on Wednesday. Dalrymple Bay Coal terminal and Gladstone Ports, two …

Japan’s Dai-ichi Life to Take over Australia’s Tower Group for $1.2 Billion

Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co said it would buy the shares it does not already own in Tower Australia Group Ltd for 99.6 billion yen ($1.2 billion) as it seeks expansion overseas. Japan’s No.2 life insurer said it would pay …

Best Rates UK’s Ecclesiastical ‘A’; Upgrades Ansvar Subsidiary to ‘A’

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” of UK-based Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. Best also affirmed the debt rating of “bbb” on …

Lloyd’s Appoints Chaplin as New Head of Asia Pacific Region

Lloyd’s has appointed Kent Chaplin as the new head of its Asia Pacific operations based in Singapore, replacing Keith Stern who is now Lloyd’s regional manager for the UK and Ireland. From January 2011, Chaplin will manage Lloyd’s operations across …

Droughts, Floods, Snow and Cold Hit Global Commodities

Droughts and deluges in Australia, snow in Europe and cold snaps in the United States are pushing up prices of a range of commodities from sugar to heating oil and soybeans. Australia typically ranks as second in the league of …

Aon Benfield Cat Report for November Highlights Cold and Floods

In its latest monthly assessment of the world’s catastrophes for November Aon Benfield highlights the first winter weather event of the season across Europe with “notable affects.” the report, published by the company’s Impact Forecasting team, who evaluate global natural …

Qantas Moves to Take Rolls-Royce to Court over Engine Failure

Qantas stepped up pressure on Thursday on engine maker Rolls-Royce to settle damages related to an engine failure on one of its giant Airbus A380 aircraft, but said it would keep the door open for an out-of-court settlement. Qantas said …