8th September 2008
Repairing the damage caused by recent flooding could run into tens of millions of pounds, according to insurers.
But this is set to rise even further as forecasters predict more destructive weather on its way on Monday night and on Tuesday.
Six people have died as a result of the storms which struck the North-East, Herefordshire, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which in July reached a flood insurance agreement with the Government, said an early figure for damage caused by the floods was £20 million.
It said that the average claim from households was between £15-30,000, though for businesses it was around £100,000.
Environment minister John Healey visited the worst hit town of Morpeth in Northumberland, where 1,000 properties were damaged and 400 people were evacuated as the floods took hold.
He is due to meet with insurance industry leaders later in the week to discuss how they will deal with the claims' process.
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, spokesperson for the ABI, said: "People should try to put anything they can to higher ground, and generally batten down the hatches.
"Try to get hold of sandbags and keep your insurance documents and important contact numbers close by."
The Environment Agency, which offers advice to people in the affected areas, had 29 flood warnings in place on Monday morning.
For advice on dealing with floods, see flood guidance for small businesses.
IMAGE John Giles/PA Wire
Flood damage to cost tens of millions
But this is set to rise even further as forecasters predict more destructive weather on its way on Monday night and on Tuesday.
Six people have died as a result of the storms which struck the North-East, Herefordshire, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which in July reached a flood insurance agreement with the Government, said an early figure for damage caused by the floods was £20 million.
It said that the average claim from households was between £15-30,000, though for businesses it was around £100,000.
Environment minister John Healey visited the worst hit town of Morpeth in Northumberland, where 1,000 properties were damaged and 400 people were evacuated as the floods took hold.
He is due to meet with insurance industry leaders later in the week to discuss how they will deal with the claims' process.
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, spokesperson for the ABI, said: "People should try to put anything they can to higher ground, and generally batten down the hatches.
"Try to get hold of sandbags and keep your insurance documents and important contact numbers close by."
The Environment Agency, which offers advice to people in the affected areas, had 29 flood warnings in place on Monday morning.
For advice on dealing with floods, see flood guidance for small businesses.
IMAGE John Giles/PA Wire
Tags: Insurance
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