Austria was hit by exceptionally high catastrophe losses in 2024, underscoring the growing impact of climate change. On average, insured losses from natural disasters exceed one billion euros annually, yet last year set a new record: EUR 1.7 billion in insured damages, Austrian Insurance Association (VVO) said.

“Climate change is evident, and it already carries a price tag. Austria’s topography makes it particularly vulnerable to natural hazards. Increasingly, it is not only river floods but also heavy rainfall events that can affect anyone, anywhere. The financial burden for those affected is considerable. The insurance industry can be part of the solution and contribute to protecting the Austrian population,” said Christian Eltner, Secretary General, VVO.

The trend is not unique to Austria. Globally, extreme weather caused damages of USD 320 billion in 2024, almost double the 30-year average. Locally, last year’s once-in-a-century flood in autumn—still not fully included in the official tallies—further highlighted the risks. Combined with denser settlement patterns and growing exposure, future damage levels are expected to rise.

Despite these developments, preparedness remains low. “The risks are still greatly underestimated. Every federal state is exposed, not just distant or isolated regions. I urge all Austrians to take severe weather warnings seriously and to prepare accordingly,” warned Klaus Scheitegel, Vice President of the VVO.

Experts stress that effective protection requires more than just raising public awareness. A comprehensive prevention strategy is needed, combining nationwide protective measures, stronger risk education, and tools such as the interactive hazard map HORA (www.hora.gv.at), which helps citizens better understand their exposure to natural perils.