Queensland floods live updates: Lockyer Valley, Ipswich inundated with water as effects of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred linger across state
Almost 10,000 Australians have already lodged a claim with insurers to repair their damaged homes after ex-tropical cyclone Alfred ripped through parts of Queensland and NSW at the weekend.
The insurance industry is bracing for thousands more claims when rivers and creeks begin flooding from heavy rainfall as they come under widespread pressure, including from the prime minister and Queensland premier, to deal with victims and not “rip people off”.
About 90 per cent of the claims so far are from densely populated South East Queensland, where Brisbane had its wettest day in 51 years on Monday and communities remained on high alert for flash-flooding.
NRMA assessing a damaged home in Nerang, Queensland.Credit: NRMA
NRMA chief executive Julie Batch said that as of Monday afternoon, 1000 customers had lodged a claim, with 80 per cent based in Queensland, and the main source of damage coming from falling trees.
“We’re seeing damage to cars and homes caused by trees and seeing water enter into the homes,” Batch said.
“What’s happening in Brisbane is rain is coming horizontally, gutters are overflowing and rain is going under trusses and into homes. Power has been out for a long time … and those goods in cold storage have spoiled, and we’re seeing those claims for food spoilage, which we expect in an event like this.”
A large tree blocks the road in Brisbane’s CBD.Credit: Dan Peled
Insurers are under increased scrutiny to deal appropriately with cyclone victims, especially in the lead up to the federal election and in the wake of their poor handling of the 2022 floods.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led a chorus of criticism on Monday, saying he agreed insurance companies were “ripping us off” and warned them the federal government would hold the industry “to account”. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he was prepared to call out insurers who did not pay out claims or hike up premiums in response to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
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