The cost of flood-related damaged along the country’s east coast from yesterday’s torrential rain is likely to run into millions.
The Irish Insurance Federation (IFF) said today it was too early to estimate the cost of floods. However, it said there was little doubt that the flooding had caused extensive damage to homes and businesses.
The federation’s chief executive Michael Kemp said the cost was likely to be “considerable” because most of the flooding had occurred in densely populated areas in and around the capital.
He said it was not possible to put a figure on the cost at this stage as much of the damage appeared to be linked to excess rainwater rather than over-running waterways, which was the cause of most damage in previous flooding incidents.
The cost of last winter’s extreme weather to homeowners and businesses was €224 million.
The IFF today advised home and business owners who had suffered damage to contact their insurers as quickly as possible.
The IIF’s non-life manager, Michael Horan, said insurers normally pay for the cost of temporary repairs and advised policyholders to keep copies of receipts.
Mr Horan said that most insurers would pay for the cost of alternative accommodation if the house became uninhabitable - up to limits specified in the policy.
Brian McNeilis of the Irish Brokers’ Association advised householders and businesses to keep evidence of damaged goods and ensure emergency repairs were carried out promptly to prevent further damage.
He advised people to mark the water levels on walls for reference and to photograph or video all flood damage.
He also warned people to keep extension cables out of the water; wear rubber boots at all times; have an expert check the power and gas supplies before turning them back on and not to let children play in floodwater as it might be contaminated.
