The five costliest disasters of 2011

Natural catastrophes have already produced around $265 billion in economic losses in 2011, of which nearly $60 billion were insured, according to Munich Reinsurance Co.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan alone account for around half of the insured loss total, and other events have also generated significant insured losses.

To see a slideshow of the five costliest events so far in 2011, click here.