Forces of nature cause 5.7 billion euros in damage in Germany!

Forces of nature cause 5.7 billion euros in damage in Germany!

Last year, damage caused by natural forces once again burdened insurance companies in Germany with extremely high costs. Loud MDR The damage in property and motor vehicle insurance amounts to around 5.7 billion euros. This sum was driven up in particular by the severe floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, which caused more than half of the damage.

Jörg Asmussen, the general manager of the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), pointed out that the insured losses from heavy rain and floods are around 2.6 billion euros, which is around one billion euros above the long-term average. In contrast, damage from storms and hail was lower last year.

Regional effects of natural forces

In the individual federal states, the financial burdens caused by natural forces are also significant. Insured losses amounting to 166 million euros were reported in Saxony. Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia followed with 72 million and 106 million euros, respectively. These figures show an almost double increase compared to previous years.

The damage figures so far show that the overall extent of natural hazard damage could be even higher, as many damages are not insured. This leads Asmussen to demand that the new federal government should consider climate change adaptation as a priority.

Climate change and future risks

The GDV also warned in a comprehensive report that climate change is leading to an increase in natural disasters worldwide, which also affects Germany. Loud GDV The damage caused by the effects of climate change could be at least doubled by 2050. Particular emphasis was placed on the water sensitivity of infrastructure, buildings and cities, indicating inadequate societal preparation for more frequent flood events.

Asmussen calls for courageous measures to adapt to the new climate conditions and an overall natural hazards concept. This concept should not only include insurance solutions, but also include preventative measures to comprehensively manage future risks.

In conclusion, the need to combat climate change and adapt to its consequences will be crucial in the coming years. The GDV's natural hazards report provides a comprehensive annual data collection on the damage caused by natural hazards and supports research in this important area.