The recent severe convective storms that hit Western, Central, and Southeastern Europe between June 27 and July 2 are expected to result in economic and insured losses reaching hundreds of millions of EUR, according to Aon’s weekly catastrophe report.
Insurance and reinsurance broking group Aon reported that large hail likely caused significant damage, especially in Germany on June 27-28, where five people were injured.
Additional property damage occurred between June 28-30, with many European countries experiencing severe weather-related losses.
On June 28, large hailstones up to 8 cm (3.1 in) fell in central France, and giant hailstones of 12 cm (4.7 in) were reported in Castellamonte, northern Italy. Strong winds exceeding 100 kph (60 mph) also hit Germany, France, Czechia, and other areas.
In eastern France, thunderstorms caused a tree to fall near the village of Brienne-le-Château, resulting in three fatalities and one injury.
On June 29, storms affected about 36 municipalities in Luxembourg. Emergency services responded to more than 2,800 calls and intervened over 630 times, mainly in Petingen and Käerjeng.
There was also a devastating landslide event in the Fontana region of southern Switzerland, resulting in three fatalities.
In Saas-Grund, Valais, mudslides and flash flooding damaged several buildings and vehicles, resulting in another fatality.
Northern Italy and northern Austria experienced severe flash flooding and hail, causing significant damage.
In eastern Czechia, hundreds of interventions were needed due to flooded houses and fallen trees that cut power to thousands of customers.
In Poland, nearly 600 operations were conducted in the Wielkopolskie voivodeship in response to strong winds, heavy rain, large hail, and lightning, which damaged dozens of homes and cars.
On July 1-2, severe storms continued to affect the Balkan region. Central Croatia saw significant damage mainly from large hail, especially around the village of Bošnja, where initial damage estimates reached in the millions of EUR.
Aon concluded, “Total aggregated economic and insured losses from the recent thunderstorm activity in Western and Central Europe are estimated to reach hundreds of millions EUR. Most financial losses will likely be related to hailstorms that hit Germany and France, with additional damage resulting from heavy rainfall and flash flooding that were elsewhere across the region.”
