Economic losses from natural disasters fall to US$100bil in first half of 2026

Global economic losses resulting from natural disasters reached an estimated US$100 billion during the first half of 2026. According to data released by the reinsurance group Swiss Re, this figure represents a sharp decline compared to previous periods. The total losses for the first six months of the year were reported to be 10% lower than the 10-year average for the same timeframe.

Despite the overall decrease in economic impact, the period was marked by significant weather and seismic events. Notable occurrences included severe storms within the United States and deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June. These events contributed to the global total despite the broader downward trend in financial losses.