Nearly 100 wildfires have raged across Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state destroying at least 30 homes, amidst some of the worst weather conditions seen in the country’s recent history as winds sweep through land already parched by a record-breaking heatwave.
Officials said conditions were worse than during the 2009 “Black Saturday” fires in Victoria, which killed 173 people. The state’s rural fire chief, Shane Fitzsimmons, added; “This is the worst day we have seen in the history of New South Wales when it comes to fire danger ratings and fire conditions,” BBC reported.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has said that early monitoring of the bushfires’ impact reveals loss to stock, agriculture, and some damaged or destroyed homes, but added that it was too early to fully gauge reinsurance & insurance industry losses.
ICA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rob Whelan, said; “Insurers are standing by to handle inquiries and claims. Policyholders are urged to contact their insurer or insurance broker if they intend to lodge a claim.
“Primary producers who need to euthanise injured livestock can do so, but they should first advise their insurer and make sure they keep records for the purposes of making a claim.”
The ICA has said it would continue to monitor the impact on re/insured losses and an ICA representative will today head to the state’s Central West to assist affected policyholders, and liaise with emergency services and local and state government agencies.
