Hailstorm "Denis": damage much higher than expected
The devastating hailstorm "Denis" caused much greater damage on the edge of the Alps at the end of August than previously assumed. The Versicherungskammer Bayern has now increased its damage estimate by a third: "Previously, we assumed up to 170 million euros, but now the figure is up to 230 million," said Christian Krams, Head of Group Claims at the Versicherungskammer Bayern. "The destructive force of this event was absolutely unique."
The storm front had passed over southern Upper Bavaria on the afternoon of August 26, and the three towns of Bad Bayersoien, Benediktbeuern and Königsbrunn were hit and devastated by exceptionally heavy hail.
According to Krams, the fact that the Insurance Chamber had to increase its damage estimate so significantly is not because a large number of additional damage reports had been received: "We are now at 17,500 claims; in our last report, I had stated around 17,000 claims."
The decisive factor is the large number of major losses. After roofs and windows were broken, hail and water penetrated many houses. "There was enormous damage to the outside and inside of the houses, which means that we have considerably higher average losses," said Krams. In some cases, the hail even penetrated car panels - "we've never seen that before".
The annals of the Versicherungskammer go back to 1811, and according to the manager, the storm caused the second largest loss in the company's history. "The Munich hailstorm of 1984 is still in first place, but it was much more extensive and also affected the city of Munich," said Krams.
The hailstorm "Denis" was so powerful that it caused insurance companies to significantly increase their damage estimates. Originally predicting up to 170 million euros, the Versicherungskammer Bayern now estimates the damage at up to 230 million euros due to the sheer extent of the damages.
Source: www.dpa.com
