Cyclone Fehi cost insurers $39 million

Wednesday, 21 March 2018

Stuff was the first media to fly into the West Coast town of Haast when it was cut off in the aftermath of tropical Cyclone Fehi.

Damage from ex-cyclone Fehi has led to insurance claims of nearly $39 million.

The major storm reached New Zealand on February 1 and caused significant damage through the South Island, especially on the West Coast. It was recently revealed the storm caused hundreds of thousands of dollars damage to the popular Abel Tasman Track, forcing the Department of Conservation to refund about $30,000 of hut fees to visitors.

Insurers have received 2323 domestic claims relating to the storm, which will cost an estimated $22m. A further $12m of commercial damage has been lodged in 581 claims.

Paula Dobbs' Westport home was flooded during Cyclone Fehi. Over $22 million of domestic insurance claims have been lodged for damage from the storm.

The roof of the St Peter's Anglican Church at Jacobs River on the West Coast was blown off its foundation by the ex-tropical cyclone Fehi.

* A bird's-eye view of the storm-ravaged West Coast

* West Coast church destroyed by ex-tropical cyclone Fehi

* In images: Storm brings flooding, heavy and gales to NZ**

Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Tim Grafton said there had been $65.2m of insured losses from extreme weather already this year following two storms in early 2018, with the costs of ex-cyclone Gita's damage still to be worked out.

'And this is the sort of thing we can expect to see with ongoing climate change – more frequent, more severe storms.'

Grafton said people should lodge claims as soon after an event as possible, even if they did not yet know the full extent of the damage.

THE BREAKDOWN

2323 domestic claims costing $22,345,567
581 commercial claims costing $12,682,620
384 motor vehicle claims costing $2,505,941
9 marine claims costing $93,875
49 other claims costing $853,284