The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared a catastrophe event for the bushfires that continue to rage around the north-east of Perth.
Source: Evan Collis/DFES/EPA
So far, bushfires in the Perth Hills region have destroyed 85 homes, as well as sheds and many kilometres of farm fences.
According to ICA data, insurers have received more than 270 claims with an estimated loss value of more than $40 million.
And the insured loss total is expected to rise further over the coming days as residents begin to return to their homes.
“The declaration of a Catastrophe means claims from these bushfires will be prioritised by insurers, who will be focusing on reducing the immense emotional and financial stress experienced by residents, farmers and businesses,” said ICA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hall.
“The ICA will provide guidance to impacted communities throughout the recovery process.”
Insurers have already mobilised local assessors and claims specialists to enter affected areas as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
The catastrophe declaration by the ICA also means a Council disaster recovery specialist will be on hand to support the local community, and an insurance industry taskforce will be available to identify and address any issues that may arise during the recovery stage.
The Perth Hills bushfires are currently estimated to have burned through close to 11,000 hectares of land.
The perimeter of the blaze stretches around 122 kilometres, but better weather conditions for fire crews are expected in the coming days, including forecast rain.
Around 600 homes and businesses remain without power as a result of the main bushfire.
