tr-ASH-talk

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Earth Song

If only heaven was aware of the concept of diversifying risk, the world would have been a safer place.

AIR
A series of nasty winter storm systems affected a large portion of the United States this week. Heavy snow, ice, sleet and flooding rainfall affected the southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and Northeast. Hundreds of thousands of utility customers lost power. Seventy storm-related fatalities were reported in ten states. California’s citrus industry is reeling after a cold air mass killed about 70% of its crop, resulting in damages of approximately $1 billion.

On Thursday and Friday, northern Europe was affected by the worst wind storm it has experienced in years. Winds gusting over 100 mph (160 kph) affected the United Kingdom, northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Damage to roofs, windows and electricity infrastructure is widespread across the region. At least 46 people were killed due to falling trees, flying debris, collapsed walls and vehicle accidents.

Last weekend, a strong mid-latitude storm system produced damaging winds over Scandinavia. More than 200,000 people lost power in Sweden and five fatalities were reported due to falling trees.

WATER
Eighteen people were killed late last week in Sri Lanka due to flooding and mudslides. An estimated 1,600 homes were damaged or destroyed and more than 85,000 people were affected.

FIRE
Wildfires continued to thrive in parts of southern Australia this week amid scorching heat, dry surface conditions and gusty winds. Nine homes were consumed and one fatality resulted.

Courtesy: Aon Re

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