Insurance Catastrophe Declared for Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia
Insurance Council of Australia
Sydney – The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has declared an Insurance Catastrophe for the southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales regions following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and subsequent storms since Friday, 28 February.
Although Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened before making landfall, it has left a trail of destruction, including widespread power outages, heavy rain, flooding, and fallen debris. The areas most affected include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, and the Northern Rivers. Insurers have already received nearly 3,000 claims, with the number expected to rise as more residents return to assess the damage to their properties.
The catastrophe declaration allows insurers to fast-track their response for affected policyholders. Claims will be prioritized, with urgent assistance directed to the worst-affected property owners. ICA representatives and disaster response specialists have been mobilised to support local agencies and policyholders once emergency services confirm it is safe to proceed. An industry taskforce has also been established to address any emerging issues related to the catastrophe.
Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, emphasized that the safety of affected communities remains the top priority. “If you’re affected by ex-TC Alfred, stay clear of fallen powerlines and floodwaters, and avoid any activities that could put you at risk,” Hall stated.
Hall also noted that it is still too early to estimate the full extent of the damage but reassured policyholders that the insurance industry is prepared to provide support and encouraged affected residents to contact their insurers as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.