Largest insured losses in 2011

Costliest year

Economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters were the highest ever in 2011, at $370 billion, while insured losses totaled $116 billion—the second-highest sum ever—according to Swiss Reinsurance Co. Ltd. The Japan earthquake and tsunami together cost the insurance industry $35 billion, while U.S. tornadoes added more than $25 billion in insured losses, Swiss Re said in a recent report. A photo slideshow counting down the most expensive insured catastrophe losses in 2011 follows. 

10. Storms, United States

Severe weather across several states the U.S. in early April 2011 amounted to $1.5 billion in insured losses and $2.2 billion in economic losses. The storms included high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and large hailstones. Thirty-six people were injured.
AP photo

9. Storms, United States

Another set of thunderstorms, wind and tornadoes across the U.S. in early April 2011 caused insured losses of $2 billion and economic losses of $3.5 billion. Nine people were killed.
AP photo

8. Earthquakes, New Zealand

Earthquakes that struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on June 13, 2011, resulted in insured losses of $2 billion and economic losses of $3 billion. One person was killed and 46 injured.
AP photo

7. Floods, Australia

Flooding caused by heavy rains in Australia on Jan. 9, 2011, caused $2.3 billion in insured losses and $6.1 billion in economic losses and left 22 people dead.
Bloomberg photo

6. Hurricane, United States and elsewhere

Hurricane Irene made its way through the Caribbean, U.S. and Canada in August 2011. The storm resulted in insured losses of $5.3 billion and economic losses of $8 billion. The hurricane killed 55 people and knocked out power to more than 7 million homes and businesses.
Bloomberg photo

5. Storms and tornadoes, United States

Severe storms and a major tornado outbreak struck Missouri and other states in mid- to late May 2011, causing $7 billion in insured losses and $9 billion in economic losses in places including Joplin, Mo. The tornado outbreak killed 155 and injured 1,150 people.
Photo by Sisters of Mercy Health System 

4. Storms and tornadoes, United States

Regions of the U.S. including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia were hit by severe storms and tornadoes in April 2011. These storms caused insured losses of $7.3 billion and economic losses of $11 billion. The major weather outbreak resulted in 354 deaths and 2,200 injured.
AP photo 

3. Earthquake, New Zealand

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on Feb. 22, 2011, causing $12 billion in insured losses and $15 billion in economic losses. The quake left 181 dead and 1,500 injured.
Bloomberg photo 

2. Floods, Thailand

Flooding resulting from heavy monsoon rains hit Thailand in late July 2011, causing insured losses of $12 billion and economic losses of $30 billion. The flooding left 813 people dead.
Bloomberg photo

1. Earthquake and tsunami, Japan

A record-breaking magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The most expensive earthquake on record produced $35 billion in insured losses and $210 billion in economic losses. The quake also triggered 200 landslides; destroyed 128,538 buildings; damaged 790,719 buildings, 3,559 roads, 77 bridges, 45 dikes and 29 railways; and damaged nuclear facilities. The disaster left 15,845 people dead, 5,893 injured, 3,339 missing and 400,000 homeless.
Bloomberg photo