Billions in damage caused by natural disasters: Baden-Württemberg in focus!

Billions in damage caused by natural disasters: Baden-Württemberg in focus!

In 2022, natural hazards in Baden-Württemberg caused devastating damage amounting to 1.601 billion euros. This sum refers to damage to property and motor vehicle insurance and represents a doubling compared to the previous year, 2023, when the damage total was 662 million euros. The nationwide damage amounted to a total of 5.7 billion euros, which is considered high in long-term comparison. More than half of this damage occurs in southern Germany, with Baden-Württemberg marginally ahead of Bavaria. In Bavaria, damage fell despite flooding.
Süddeutsche.de reports thatNatural hazards are insured more frequently in Baden-Württemberg than in Bavaria and that the damage caused by the June flood in Rudersberg (Rems-Murr district) was particularly significant. According to estimates, the total losses in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg amount to around four billion euros, of which only around half is insured.

The damage amounts vary greatly between the federal states. North Rhine-Westphalia recorded the third highest damage at 613 million euros, followed by Lower Saxony with 313 million euros and Hesse with 252 million euros. If we look at the damage in other federal states, Saarland reports 171 million euros, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony each report 166 million euros. Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania had the lowest amounts of damage, at 17 million euros and 34 million euros respectively.

Climate change and its consequences

The results clearly show the noticeable effects of climate change. Jörg Asmussen, General Manager of the GDV, emphasizes the need for bold measures to adapt to the new climate conditions. In particular, the water sensitivity of infrastructure, buildings and cities is becoming increasingly urgent. According to the 2023 Natural Hazards Report, losses from natural hazards in property and motor vehicle insurance amounted to 5.6 billion euros in 2023, which underlines the urgency of the issue.

The increase in flood events is a direct result of climate change, with social preparation perceived as inadequate. The data shows that damage from climate-related extreme weather events such as heavy rain, floods, storms, hail and fires is expected to be at least twice as high by 2050. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate adaptation and pointed to the need for action in the finance and insurance industries.Further information can be found on the Federal Environment Agency website.

In order to meet the challenges of climate change, the GDV not only calls for measures to avoid damage, but also for Germany to intensify its efforts to achieve the Paris climate goals. The annual natural hazards report provides comprehensive data and analyzes on these topics and is a valuable resource for climate research. The database summarizes the knowledge of German insurers about damage caused by natural hazards and supports society in preparing for future events.