Townsville floods declared a catastrophe by Insurance Council
Townsville’s floods have officially declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council, as the damage bill nears the $20 million mark.
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A CATASTROPHE has officially been declared in Townsville.
The Insurance Council of Australia made the declaration for Townsville insurance policyholders affected by torrential rain and inundation.
Up to 20,000 Townsville homes could go under water, police warn
Townsville floods: Ross River Dam at 217% as rain continues to fall
Council CEO Rob Whelan said financial losses due to water damage were already estimated at almost $17 million.
The announcement comes hours after Townsville Police District acting Chief Superintendent Steve Munro said up to 20,000 could be impacted by floodwaters in coming days.
“It is possible many more will be inundated in coming days, with some state government projections indicating thousands of homes could be affected,” Mr Whelan said.
“Therefore, the ICA has declared a catastrophe to help escalate the insurance industry’s response.
“As of 8pm on Saturday, insurers have received about 1900 claims, with insurance losses estimated at $16.7 million.”
Mr Whelan said many more claims were expected to be made over the weekend, as residents examined the extent of their losses and contacted their insurers.
“The ICA has declared this ‘catastrophe’ to help reduce the emotional and financial stress being experienced by families and businesses, and provide them with peace of mind that their insurer is there to help,” he said.
Under the declaration, claims from affected policyholders will be given priority by insurers.
Claims will also be triaged to direct urgent assistance to the worst-affected property owners.
The Insurance Council has activated its disaster hotline – 1800 734 621 – to assist policyholders if they are uncertain of their insurance details, or have general inquiries about the claims process.
Mobilised ICA representatives will work with local agencies, services and affected policyholders.
Further information would be made available on www.disasters.org.au.
Originally published as Townsville floods declared a catastrophe by Insurance Council
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