WELLINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) – More rain is forecast in the coming days for flood-hit Auckland, authorities in New Zealand’s biggest city said on Monday. insurers calculated the costs may be seen as the country’s most expensive weather event.
Four people lost their lives in the flash floods and landslides that have hit Auckland over the past three days amid record downpours. A state of emergency remains in effect in Auckland. A state of emergency has been lifted in Waitomo, south of Auckland.
Flights in and out of Auckland Airport are still experiencing delays and cancellations, with thousands of passengers, including hundreds from overseas, flag carrier Air New Zealand (AIR.NZ) he said on Monday.
Beaches around the city of 1.6 million have been closed and all Auckland schools will remain closed until February. 7.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told state-run TVNZ on Monday that there was “very serious damage in Auckland”. “Obviously, there are a number of homes that have been damaged by flooding, but also extensive ground movement.”
He added that about 350 people need immediate accommodation.
SEEING CLOUDS
The country’s Metservices is forecasting more heavy rain in the already water-deprived city on Tuesday evening.
“We’re going to have more severe weather and we need to prepare for that,” Oakland Emergency Management duty supervisor Rachel Kelleher said at a media conference.
[1/5] A flooded area is seen during heavy rain in Auckland, New Zealand on January 27, 2023, in this screenshot taken from a social media video. Via @MonteChristoNZ/REUTERS/File Photo
Fire and Emergency services received 30 calls on Monday night, including responding to a slide when a car park slid down a hill.
The council declared 69 houses unfit for habitation and prevented people from entering them. Another 300 objects were considered at risk and access to certain areas was restricted for a short time.
North of New Zealand’s North Island receives above-normal rainfall Due to the La Nina weather phenomenon.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said Auckland had already recorded more than eight times its average January rainfall and 40% of its annual average.
INSURERS ARE SWIMMING WITH A HEAVY REPORT
Clean-up costs are expected to exceed the NZ$97 million (US$63 million) bill from the West Coast floods in 2021, but will not be as expensive as the estimated NZ$31 billion in insurance costs from the two major Christchurch earthquakes. 2010-2011, Insurance Council of New Zealand spokesman Christian Judge said.
Insurance Australia Group (IAG.AX) There are New Zealand chapters more than 5,000 applications have been received so far and Suncorp Group (SUN.AX) It said it received about 3,000 claims between Vero and AA Insurance Brands. New Zealand Tower (TWR.NZ) He said he received about 1,900 claims.
“The number of claims is expected to increase in the coming days as the incident continues and as customers determine the damage to their property,” IAG said in a statement.
Economists say the recovery and rebuilding could add to inflationary pressures in New Zealand as vehicles and household goods need to be replaced and there is an increase in construction work needed to repair or rebuild flood-damaged homes and infrastructure.
($1 = NZ$1.5385)
Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Edited by Aurora Ellis and Lincoln Holiday
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