The Press

Insurance claims keep flooding in

- TIM O'CONNELL

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 adviser media relations David Miller said as of this week 14 claims had been received for damage from exCyclone Fehi. This included eight 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.

Insurance Council of NZ chief executive Tim Grafton said it was difficult to say 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.

‘‘Our priority now is to urge those affected to lodge claims with their insurance providers as soon as possible,’’ Grafton said.

''Our priority now is to urge those affected to lodge claims with their insurance providers.''

Insurance Council CEO Tim Grafton

 ?? PHOTO: MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF ?? Shara and Joe Manihera help clean out a home in the Nelson region’s Ruby Bay after it was flooded during last Thursday’s storm.
PHOTO: MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF Shara and Joe Manihera help clean out a home in the Nelson region’s Ruby Bay after it was flooded during last Thursday’s storm.

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