The following Blog has been compiled by monitoring news reports.
Update:
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This event reportedly cost the State Government AUD$60 million in clean up costs. As at 3 February 2008, Centrelink had granted 649 claims for assistance worth AUD$780,000.
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The Insurance Council of Australia reports insured losses reported to 25 October 2008 as AUD$15million.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
A flash flood warning is issued for Gippsland and the Alpine regions. The Thompson River catchment is expected to receive up to 200 millimetres of rain.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
News reports indicate flood warnings are issued for Genoa, West Gippsland, and all of East Gippsland in Victoria. The State Emergency Service receives some 60 telephone calls largely due to flooding from rising rivers and creeks. The Avon River peaked at 1am. Rising water levels in the Mitchell, Tambo and Snowy rivers pose a threat for Bairnsdale region. The Princes Highway leading into and out of Bairnsdale is cut off by floodwaters. The Mitchell River is at 7.2 meters at Bairnsdale. It reached around 7.8 metres in the flood of April 1990. The Macalister River and Traralgon Creek are also a problem. Some 300mm of rain is recorded in the Alpine region since 26 June 2007. Evacuation warnings are issued in some low lying areas in Bairnsdale, Paynseville and Boisdale. The caravan park at Stratford on the Avon River has been evacuated.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
The State Government advises residents affected by the floods may qualify for emergency assistance grants. News reports indicate this consistes of a Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 for each individual and $400 for each child who were seriously insured or who have lost their principal place of residence (or it has become uninhabitable for more than 48 hours) due to the floods.
Friday, 29 June 2007
News reports indicate damage to property may cost many millions of dollars. The Bureau of Meteorology records major flood warnings for the Mitchell, Thompson and Snowy Rivers. Moderate and minor flood warnings also remain in force for several other rivers in the Gippsland region. Some 91 residents are evacuated from in and around Newry. Residents at Paynesville are told to evacuate. News reports advise that the Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park, the old butter factory and the Imperial Hotel in Bairnsdale are all half submerged. News reports indicate that the owners of the Imperial Hotel do not have flood insurance as the Hotel is on a flood plain. The township of Sale is now also threatened by flood waters. So too is the seaside town of Lakes Entrance.
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Some 30 homes in low-lying areas of Bairnsdale are flooded. Water levels in affected inland towns is receding. The Thompson River at Sale peaked lower than expected and major damage was avoided. The heavy rainfall in the Gippsland River system is now making its way to the coast threatening the sea-side town of Lakes Entrance. The problem is compounded by King Tides. High ocean tides prevent the swollen river system from dispersing into the ocean. News reports indicate a series of King Tides is causing water to back up through the storm water drains into streets, houses and shops in Lakes Entrance. Extensive sand bagging is conducted but many properties sustain water damage. Many residents evacuate and businesses are closed. Lakes Entrance tourist trade suffers as the damage co-incides with the commencement of the Victorian school holidays and many visitors are cancelling their bookings. The road to Metung is closed. The road to Paynesville also remains closed. The town of Licola remains cut-off with all of its three access bridges damaged by floodwaters.
Monday, 2 July 2007
News reports suggest the Victorian Government estimates the value of the water damage could exceed $30m and the event is being referred to as a one in 100 year flood. Gippsland farmers have lost livestock and crops. The price of vegetables in Victoria is expected to rise. Floodwaters are now receding and the Princes Highway is open through to New South Wales. Businesses are re-opening and the areas tourism commission encourages visitors to return to the area.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
More rain is forecast and the Bureau of Meteorology only has minor flood warnings for the Macalister and Thomson River.
Also see: - Flood versus Storm Considerations Insurance Implications
Author
Claim Solutions Pty Ltd
Insurance Policy
Country: - Australia
Policy Description: - Various
Insurer: - Various
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