XL Group plc announced this evening an approximate $135 million preliminary net loss estimate in the second quarter of 2013, relating to natural catastrophes, according to a press release from the re/insurer.XL Group plc, which is a global insurance and reinsurance company which provides property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises, stated that losses contributing to this estimate include flooding in Europe, Argentina and Canada, and tornadoes and hailstorms in the United States.“The largest of these events, European flooding, accounts for approximately half of the total preliminary loss estimate,” it stated.“The company’s estimate is based on its review of individual treaties and policies expected to be impacted, along with available client data,” the press release said, adding: “This preliminary estimate involves the exercise of considerable judgment.“Given that the facts are still developing, as well as the complexities of the nature of the events, there is considerable uncertainty associated with the loss estimate of these events and such estimate is accordingly subject to revision as additional information becomes available,” and noted that actual losses may differ materially from their preliminary estimate.They also stated that the estimate is pretax and net of reinsurance and reinstatement premiums.It is split approximately 55 percent and 45 percent between the Company’s Insurance and Reinsurance segments.