Natural disasters caused significantly higher insurance losses in the first six months of 2024 than the average for the comparable period in recent years. Insured losses worldwide totalled $60 billion, the research institute of the Swiss reinsurer Swiss Re reported on Wednesday. This was 62% more than the 10-year average. Damage caused by severe thunderstorms was particularly high, with an increase of 87%. They are often accompanied by strong winds or even tornadoes as well as hail and heavy rain. Severe thunderstorms, particularly in the United States, accounted for 70% of insured losses worl…