Homeowners file storm claims with EQC

Nelson and Tasman properties make up more than half the claims already received by the Earthquake Commission in relation to last week’s major storm that brought heavy rain and strong winds to much of the country.

Local residents and business owners were still assessing the extent of Thursday’s weather event – a combination of a very low pressure system, king tides and high winds flooded homes from Glenduan, north of Nelson, to Golden Bay.

Huge waves also caused damage to roads and seaside buildings while high winds brought down trees.

EQC Senior Advisor Media Relations David Miller said as of this week, a total of 14 claims had been received for dam- age from ex-Cyclone Fehi.

This included eight claims for the Nelson-Tasman region.

‘‘The priority for those residents whose homes have been damaged in such an event is always to look after themselves, their families, and friends and take stock of what has happened to their properties.’’

Miller said EQC was working with local councils to provide claim information to local residents. It was anticipated that the number of claims lodged would increase in the coming weeks.

He encouraged homeowners to lodge a claim with EQC if their property had been damaged.

Specific information is available on EQC’s website at https:/ /www.eqc.govt.nz/news/cyclone-fehiadvisory or residents can call EQC on 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243).

Insurance Council of New Zealand Council chief executive Tim Grafton it was difficult to say exactly how many claims would be made because the damage was not confined to any one area, but it would be ‘‘substantial’’, running into the multimillions of dollars.

‘‘We won’t have a clear estimate for the dollar value of claims for weeks out. Our priority now is to urge those affected to lodge claims with their insurance providers as soon as possible,’’ Grafton said.