New Risk Analysis tool from MunichRe

Every year, insurance companies pay out billions of pounds following natural disasters. As this is a significant loss, they employ analysts to identify the nature of the risks that face particular locations, in order to be able to reduce their losses, and set premiums accordingly. This data is also being made more widely available so that these risks are more transparent, and clients can ensure that they are being fairly treated too.

Munich Re's 2016 report is now available. This replaces the previous 2015 report which would have been the most up to date document before that time. Visit the website for lots of other suitable resources which are up to date.

The 2016 report is also accompanied by a new analysis tool, to add to the Nathan Light tool, that I mentioned in the activities in the Nepal Earthquake resource.


This is called NatCatSERVICE

Munich Re’s NatCatSERVICE is one of the world’s most comprehensive databases for analysing and evaluating natural catastrophes. In the past, it has been possible to download standard information, but now our new online tool provides greater access to this store of knowledge. Users of the NatCatSERVICE can now produce analyses that meet their own needs.

The tool is flexible, easy to use and fast. The data on natural catastrophes go back to 1980, and periods of five years or more or individual years in isolation can be analysed. Also possible are hazard-specific analyses, for example for tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons, or earthquakes.

The clearly presented charts and diagrams can be shared directly via social media channels or downloaded as pdfs.

When I was writing the Nepal Earthquake resource for the  British Red Cross I made use of the NATHAN LIGHT mapping and this is just as useful, if not more so.

A great tool for teachers who want to explore global hazards mapping.