New South Wales bushfires to cost insurers at least A$20m
Over 100 bushfires across rural areas of New South Wales in the last few days will cost insurers at least A$20m (£12m) according to the Insurance Council of Australia.
The ICA has declared an insurance catastrophe for the bushfires that have destroyed homes, stock and livestock across the state. The A$20m figure is predicted to rise over coming days as residents return to their homes and businesses to assess the damage.
ICA CEO Rob Whelan said the catastrophe declaration had seen the insurance industry escalate its response to assist policyholders. The ICA has a disaster hotline - 1800 734 621 - for policyholders.
He commented: "At least 30 homes and other properties have been lost, and insurers have also received reports of stock losses, as well as fencing and other farm equipment. Hardest hit so far has been Warrumbungle Shire in the state’s Central West, but communities close to Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Narrabri have also suffered losses."
In the community of Uarbry nine out of 12 homes were wiped out by the fires.
Over 2500 firefighters have been working day and night to control the blazes which have coincided with record heat in the region.
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