China, Iran earthquakes dominate April cat loss events

April catastrophe losses were dominated by earthquake events worldwide, particularly in Asia, notes the latest global catastrophe recap report from Impact Forecasting, the catastrophe modelling arm of Aon Benfield.

 A 6.6-magnitude earthquake in China’s Sichuan province killed at least 196 people and injured more than 13,000 others, the report notes. An unofficial estimate totals economic losses from the event at $27 billion, and insured losses would be around $250 million, although that figure isn’t yet verified, the report says.

Two earthquakes also occurred in Iran, including a 7.8-magnitude event near the Pakistan border, which caused 36 fatalities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake in the southern part of Iran also occurred, killing at least 21 people and injuring roughly 1,100 others, according to Impact. Economic damages from the event are reported to be around $600 million.

Earthquake events in April also occurred in Japan, Afghanistan and Hungary, the report says.

April was also marked by 83 tornadoes in the United States, according to preliminary data. If that number is confirmed, it would be a 60% decrease from the 206 tornadoes that touched down in April 2012, and an 89% decrease from the 758 tornadoes recorded in April 2011, the report notes.

In the U.S., at least five hail and wind events also caused roughly $700 million in economic losses in the plains, midwest and southeast, the report says.

Severe flooding also occurred in Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri, with initial data suggesting total economic losses in the hundreds of millions, Impact notes.

Rainfall and flooding events also caused roughly $1.3 billion in economic losses in Argentina, and $36 million in Kenya. Torrential rains also caused flash flooding in New Zealand, with insured losses from about 1,500 claims estimated at $14.2 million.

Flooding and landslide events also occurred in Ecuador, China, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Ghana, Ethiopia and Angola in April, according to the report.

The full global catastrophe recap report for April is available on Aon Benfield’s website.