Natural disasters

TAKING HEART

Grab boosts GrabForGood Fund with US$3.2 million for giving-back programmes in S-E Asia

In 2026, the company will continue supporting education, community care and disaster relief

The Japan Meteorological Agency's tsunami warning on a TV news report after an earthquake struck the country on Apr 20.

Tsunami hits northern Japan after powerful earthquake

Bullet train services in Aomori were halted due to the tremors

Andreas Berger, group CEO at Swiss Re, warns that a prolonged Iran conflict could lead to more significant disruptions, which the reinsurer is monitoring.

Iran conflict, disaster risks could drive inflation pressures in Singapore, Asia: Swiss Re global CEO

Driven by recent uncertainties, Swiss Re has established a task force to monitor geopolitical hotspots

The policies and rules that govern finance affect how capital moves, what risks are taken and which priorities are funded.
THE BROAD VIEW

Fortifying the role of finance after Indonesia’s floods

When well governed, it can absorb shocks, speed reconstruction and strengthen resilience

Nongovernmental organisations and scientists have long argued that defending nature and biodiversity is a way for companies to protect themselves from risks like extreme heat and flooding.

More than 150 countries agree that focus on GDP harms nature

Nature is in decline worldwide, and levels of natural capital have fallen by nearly 40%

The year 2025 ended with three tropical cyclones, unleashing a wave of destruction from Sri Lanka (above) to Indonesia, which caused at least US$20 billion in losses.

Flood losses set to soar 1,000% in South-east Asia: insurance firm study

Scientists and analysts warn that deforestation, weak flood defences and lack of funding for disaster resilience heighten damages

Rescuers were hampered on Saturday as unstable terrain and rains hindered them from deploying heavy machinery, Kompas TV reports, citing authorities.

Indonesia resumes search for 80 after landslide kills 10 in West Java

The landslide early on Saturday was triggered by heavy rains starting the day before

Cyclone Ditwah, which hit Sri Lanka and India late last year, has caused total losses of around US$4 billion.

Only 12.3% of natural disaster losses in Asia-Pacific for 2025 were insured: Munich Re

This makes it one of the least insured regions against natural disasters

The epicentre of the first earthquake was in eastern Shimane prefecture.

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes Japan’s Chugoku region

[TOKYO] An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 hit the western Chugoku region of Japan on Tuesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, followed by a series of sizeable aftershocks.

The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rains, triggering landslides and flash floods.

Death toll in South-east Asia floods tops 300

Climate change has affected storm patterns, including the duration and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts