storms News

NOAA Forecasts ‘Above Normal’ Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season will be “above normal”, spawning six to 10 hurricanes of which around half could become major, the U.S. government’s weather agency forecast Thursday. However, as the 2010 season showed – it was very active but …

Arkansas Restricts Insurance Policy Cancellations

In the aftermath of devastating April storms, the Arkansas Insurance Department has issued a 60- day moratorium on the cancellation/non-renewal of insurance policies for the non-payment of premiums for Arkansans residing in storm impacted areas. This moratorium applies to all …

Obama, Cabinet Vow Urgent Aid for Storm-Battered Southern States

Federal officials vowed urgent support Sunday for a region devastated by the deadliest U.S. natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina, even as they acknowledged recovery would not be quick or easy. President Barack Obama’s administration is trying to show an effective …

2010 Nat Cats, Disasters Cost $218 Bn – $43 Bn Insured; Says Swiss Re

According to Swiss Re’s latest sigma study, worldwide economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters were $218 billion in 2010, more than triple the 2009 figure of $68 billion. The losses cost the global insurance industry more than $43 …

Damage Claims Threaten Munich Re’s 2011 Profit Goal

Heavy damage claims from an earthquake, floods and a storm this year will put Munich Re’s full-year profit goal at risk if claims do not subside in the coming quarters. The world’s biggest reinsurer said it hoped to keep net …

Australian Natural Disasters Spark Renewed Call Action on Climate Change

An architect of Australia’s stalled climate change policy has linked the nation’s recent natural disasters with global warming and called for a new political push to cut carbon emissions. Ross Garnaut, releasing updated advice to the government, said extreme weather …

Catlin Readies Launch of 3rd Arctic Survey; Focused on World’s Ocean Currents

Bermuda-based, London headquartered insurer Catlin announced the launch of its third Arctic Survey, which it said “will focus on evolving conditions in the Arctic Ocean that could cause changes in ocean currents that influence the prevailing climate of Europe and …