Aon says insured losses from European storms will reach hundreds of millions of euros

By Rebecca Delaney

June 6 - (The Insurer) - Severe convective storm activity across Europe between May 31 and June 4 is likely to result in aggregate insured losses in the hundreds of millions of euros, Aon has estimated in its weekly catastrophe recap.

Large hail, strong winds and localised heavy rainfall affected several countries across Western and Central Europe between May 31 and June 4.

According to Aon's weekly cat report, the severe weather was generated by atmospheric conditions that led to violent storm development along a stagnant frontal boundary.

Severe isolated storms first occurred in France, Germany and the Netherlands, expanding to Austria and the Czech Republic on June 1.

A severe storm struck the eastern part France's Puy-de-Dôme department on the same day, affecting the municipalities of Olliergues, Vertolaye, Bertignat-Job-Marat, Tours-sur-Meymont and Saint-Gervais.

Property and agricultural damage was reported in these areas, with thousands of customers experiencing power outages.

Subsequent storms between June 3 and 4 caused severe local effects in Slovenia, Hungary and Poland.

The hailstorm in France accounted for the majority of economic and insured losses, with aggregate losses from multiple severe convective storm outbreaks estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of euros, although Aon added that this is pending future damage assessments in affected countries.