Preliminary Swiss Re sigma estimates of catastrophe losses in 2006: benign year for property insurers

According to preliminary estimates, natural and man-made catastrophes triggered total economic losses of around USD 40 billion, and cost property insurers worldwide USD 15 billion in 2006. Earthquakes, cold spells, windstorms and also shipping disasters claimed numerous victims. In all, an estimated 30 000 people lost their lives in catastrophes.