Latest news with #Wildfires
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Billion-dollar disasters: The economic toll of wildfires, severe storms and earthquakes is soaring
Weather disasters in the first half of this year have cost the United States $93 billion in damage, according to a report released Tuesday by a German multinational insurance company. The analysis by Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurer, found that more than 70% of all damage globally from weather disasters so far this year occurred in the U.S., with uninsured Americans and their local governments experiencing a whopping $22 billion in damage. The report shows the soaring economic toll that wildfires, severe storms and other extreme events are exacting in the U.S. and globally. The findings also highlight the growing insurance crisis playing out in parts of the country that are prone to frequent weather disasters. 'We have seen some 90% of all losses for the insurance industry — so 72 out of 80 billion U.S. dollars — have happened in the U.S.,' said Tobias Grimm, Munich Re's chief climate scientist. 'That's extraordinary.' The devastating wildfires in Southern California in January topped the list of the country's costliest disasters in the first half of 2025. The two largest fires, which killed at least 30 people and displaced thousands more, ripped through the communities in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, fanned by strong Santa Ana winds. Munich Re estimated that the wildfires caused $53 billion in losses, including about $13 billion in damages for residents without insurance. The reinsurer said the Los Angeles-area blazes resulted in the 'highest wildfire losses of all time.' The wildfires' huge economic and societal toll was due in part to increased development in fire-prone areas. 'Losses are on the rise because often properties are in harm's way,' Grimm said. 'People still live in high-risk areas.' Urban development in hazard-prone areas can similarly drive up the cost of other weather-related disasters, such as hurricanes and flooding, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Studies have shown that climate change is making wildfires more frequent because of warmer temperatures and worsening drought conditions. Blazes are also becoming more intense, as a result. A report released in late January from the World Weather Attribution group found that the hot, dry and windy conditions that helped the fires consume large swaths of Southern California were about 35% more likely because of human-caused global warming. Munich Re's own earnings have been affected by the L.A. wildfires, as was reported by CNBC. Profits were down a total of $1.9 billion for Munich Re and Hannover Re (another German reinsurer), according to their first-quarter earnings reports. Other major disasters in the U.S. so far included severe storms in March that caused $6.7 billion in damage, a series of tornadoes in May that caused about $5 billion in losses, and severe storms and flooding in April that caused $4 billion in damage. Overall, 'severe convective storms' — ones that produce excessive rainfall, strong winds, tornadoes or large hail — caused $34 billion in damage in the U.S. from January through June, according to Munich Re. Of that, $8 billion were uninsured losses, the company found, which included damage to roads and public schools. Outside of the U.S., a tropical cyclone that hit Australia in late February dumped heavy rain over parts of Queensland and New South Wales, causing an estimated $3.5 billion in damage. Internationally, the costliest disaster so far this year wasn't climate-related: A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar in late March. An estimated 4,500 people died after the quake rattled the cities of Sagaing and Mandalay and surrounding areas. And a magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Taiwan in January caused $1.3 billion in losses, according to Munich Re. The insurance company's report comes months after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it would stop tracking the economic toll of the United States' costliest extreme weather events. The elimination of NOAA's 'Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters' yearly reports was seen by critics as yet another way that the Trump administration has cut back or eliminated climate science at federal agencies. A NOAA spokesperson previously told NBC News that the decision to discontinue the database was made 'in alignment with evolving priorities and staffing changes.' Grimm said it's 'vital' to collaborate with NOAA and other government agencies to ensure that these types of reports contain accurate data. The resulting analyses can, for instance, be used by insurance companies and government officials to shape policies, and they are particularly important as billion-dollar disasters become more frequent. 'The probability of extreme weather is changing,' Grimm said, 'so we need to adapt and, of course, to mitigate future losses.' This article was originally published on
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
Why mobile homes get hit hard by extreme weather and how to build better
Mobile homes are among the most frequent casualties of extreme weather. They are regularly swept away in floods, including this month in Central Texas and New Mexico. They are often hit hard by hurricanes and destroyed by wildfires. That's partly because parks designed for mobile homes, recreational vehicles and manufactured housing are typically located on less expensive land that is at higher risk for hazards. It's also partly a result of how older mobile homes were built.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
A finals berth may be secure, but the Hunter Wildfires still have plenty on the line
JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it."
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
Wildfires threaten Turkey's fourth-largest city as locals are evacuated
ISTANBUL — Wildfires that have engulfed Turkey for weeks threatened the country's fourth-largest city early Sunday, causing hundreds of people to flee their homes. Overnight fires in the forested mountains surrounding Bursa in northwest Turkey spread rapidly, bringing a red glow to the night sky over the city's eastern suburbs.
France 24
16-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
NASA captures closest-ever images of the Sun
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