Meteorological disasters in the first half of this year cost $ 93 billion in the United States, according to a report published Tuesday by a German multinational insurance business.
The Munich Re analysis, the largest reinsurer in the world, revealed that more than 70% of all the damage in the world after weather disasters this year have occurred in the United States, with uninsured Americans and their local governments undergoing a huge $ 22 billion in damage.
The report shows that the economic assessment of the forest fires, serious storms and other extreme events are demanding in the United States and in the world. The results also highlight the growing insurance crisis taking place in certain parts of the country which are subject to frequent weather disasters.
“We have seen some 90% of all losses for the insurance sector – so 72 billion dollars out of 80 billion – occurred in the United States,” said Tobias Grimm, the main air conditioning of Munich Re. “It’s extraordinary.”
Devastating forest fires in Southern California in January dominated the most expensive catastrophe list in the country in the first half of 2025. The two largest fires, which killed at least 30 people and moved thousands of others, torn by the communities of the Pacific and Altadena palisades, sparkled by strong winds of Santa Ana.
Munich RE estimated that forest fires caused $ 53 billion in losses, including around $ 13 billion in damages for residents without insurance. The reinsurer said that the flames of the Los Angeles region had resulted in “the highest forest losses of all time”.
The enormous economic and societal toll of forest fires was partly due to an increase in development in the zones subject to fires.
“The losses are increasing because often the properties are in danger,” said Grimm. “People still live in high -risk areas.”
Urban development in areas subject to risks can also increase the cost of other disasters linked to weathering, such as hurricanes and floods, which become more frequent and more serious due to climate change.
Studies have shown that climate change makes forest fires more frequent due to warmer temperatures and worsening of drought conditions. The flames also become more intense, accordingly.
A report published at the end of January in the World Weather award Group revealed that the hot, dry and winding conditions that helped fires consuming large southern California expanses were approximately 35% more likely due to global warming.