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Winter storms, floods devastate Americas

Natural disasters in the Americas caused billions of dollars of economic losses and many deaths last month, according to Impact Forecasting’s regular catastrophe recap.

Flooding in Argentina and Uruguay caused nearly $US2.3 billion ($3.22 billion) of agricultural damage, with structural damage to property and infrastructure across South America.

Heavy rain and landslides in Peru damaged 100 homes and commercial properties, with 15 lives lost, according to the Aon subsidiary.

Meanwhile, severe winter weather across the US led to economic losses of up to $US1 billion ($1.4 billion).

Economic losses from storms in California and Oregon reached $US275 million ($384.1 million), with only $US175 million ($245 million) covered by insurance. Economic and insured losses from winter storms in parts of eastern US were expected to pass $US200 million ($280 million).

Central Europe suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage from winter storms. Losses from flooding in Spain are likely to exceed $US58 million ($81.2 million), while Windstorm Gabriel in France led to more than 4000 claims for structural damage.

Economic losses from Tropical Storm Pabuk in Thailand passed $US150 million ($210 million), while torrential flooding in Indonesia damaged 22,500 homes and structures.

Cuba suffered millions of dollars in economic damage from a tornado.