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The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has activated preliminary catastrophe processes to assess the damage from ongoing floods in North Queensland, which already claimed one life yesterday after parts of the region received a metre of rain in 48 hours.
The council declared the significant storm and flooding as a 'significant event' so that it could commence data collection, analysis, and reporting processes in consultation with its members.
ICA representatives will continue to work with government and agencies to understand impacts on the community and ensure affected residents receive assistance.
This event may be escalated to an insurance catastrophe if there is a significant increase in claim numbers or complexity, if the geographical spread of this event is extended or in consultation with insurers.
The impact of flooding has been felt most significantly in communities in and around Townsville, Innisfail, Ingham, Gordonvale and Cardwell, however all regions impacted by flood in North Queensland and Far North Queensland since Wednesday 29 January fall under the significant event declaration.
"The volume and intensity of this weather has already caused damage across parts of northern Queensland with the risk of flash flooding expected to continue in the coming days," says ICA CEO Andrew Hall.
"Insurers understand the impact of these extreme weather events and will be move quickly to ensure communities receive the assistance they need as soon as possible. We are working with the Queensland authorities and will keep the community updated as situations evolve.
"Safety is our number one priority, so we urge residents in these areas to remain alert and listen to the advice of local emergency services."
The federal and Queensland governments yesterday activated personal hardship for residents in defined areas of Townsville and for targeted Gordonvale addresses in the state’s Far North following days of relentless rain.
Governments initially activated disaster assistance for Burdekin, Cairns, Palm Island and Townsville Councils to help with counter disaster actions, emergency repairs, and reconstruction and clean up. Yesterday evening, the Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook and Tablelands Councils were added to the list.
This disaster assistance is being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Significant flash flooding and inundation to roads has resulted in damage and slippages. There have been numerous swift water rescues, with sandbagging stations and evacuation centres set up to assist local communities.
"I do want to take the opportunity to thank the local mayors as well as the disaster coordination groups and the work that they have done on the ground," Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said yesterday.
"Community hubs will be mobilised right across the area - these are a one-stop shop for you to get the support services you need to be able to connect into these funding assistance packages.
"There will also be pop-up disaster hubs that will emerge to make sure that people can have that connectivity in their local area. Our commitment to people is that will be there as you rebuild and need that assistance from all levels of government."
The Premier is from the heavily-hit town of Ingham, where yesterday a woman died in flood waters in the Herbert River when a State Emergency Service vessel capsized.
"There has been the loss of life in flood waters in Ingham, and that's a really tight-knit community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family," the Premier said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the Commonwealth had repositioned assets to assist, and would continue to support the Queensland Government through this event and into recovery.
"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who have done a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances, and local communities that have followed warnings," Minister McAllister said.
"Emergency grants up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more are available to eligible Queenslanders affected by these flood. This assistance will also help local government clean up and restore assets as soon as possible.
“Our message to local communities still facing wet conditions is stay connected to your local authorities and emergency broadcasters, follow the advice and have a plan.”
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