Natural and man-made disasters killed more than 300,000 people and caused $123bn (£64bn) worth of damage to property in 2004, according to a survey by Swiss Re released today.
The survey revealed a total of 13 hurricanes hit America last year. In Japan 10 typhoons and an earthquake caused billions of pounds worth of damage.
The total bill to insurance companies was $46bn (£24bn), double the $23bn (£12bn) annual average since 1987, Swiss Re said.
