During an upcoming webinar, Munich Re, Munich Re America, and the Insurance Information Institute will provide a synopsis of the natural catastrophes that occurred during the first six months of 2009 and compare that with activity in recent years.

The webinar titled “First-Half 2009 Natural Catastrophe Update” is slated for July 7, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST. Speakers will discuss U.S. catastrophe statistics and major events, as well as the probability of the development of an El Nino and its potential impact on the United States. Other topics include global catastrophe activity and the economic implications of the natural catastrophes that have occurred so far this year.

To date, in 2009 we have seen fewer major global natural catastrophes and less insured losses, when compared to 2008. There are some notable exceptions, however, such as severe flooding in parts of Central and South America (January, February), an earthquake in Italy (April), and cyclones in the Philippines (May).

There were substantial U.S. losses associated with windstorms and hail events in the first quarter of the year, followed by a fairly tranquil second quarter. However, some caution that with the hurricane season in the North Atlantic now upon us, the picture could change in the weeks and months ahead.

Dr. Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute, Carl Hedde, head of risk accumulation at Munich Re America, and Ernst Rauch, head of the corporate climate center at Munich Re, will be among the session’s speakers.

Interested parties can register here: http://www.munichreamerica.com/webinars/2009_07_catreview/index.htm