Sept storms cost farmers hundreds of crops

Recent storms have devastated hundreds of crops and flooded whole farms in central west NSW

Insurance News

By Mina Martin

Recent storms have inundated and demolished the crops in low-lying farms in Condobolin and Forbes in central-west NSW, but have largely left houses and buildings undamaged, it has been reported.

Neil Fettell of the NSW Farmers Association told AAP that wheat, barley, and canola farms were worst hit by the storms, with some farms “completely wiped out,” while local stock farmers were able to save most of their sheep and cattle.

"The overall production will still be pretty good but for individual farmers it means heavy financial loss," he said.

"It's very tough, not just financially but emotionally."

The inundated farms are expected to remain flooded for some five more weeks until water level in the Lachlan River gradually subsides, AAP said.

Meanwhile, most houses and buildings around Condobolin and Forbes escaped damage from the floods. Insurance claims reached less than $10 million, with insurers receiving about 750 claims from the Forbes region, mostly from low-level storm damage, AAP reported.

Road transport in the region is expected to improve after a section of the Newell Highway between Jerilderie and Narrandera was reopened on Thursday.

Fettell said the residents were able to prepare better for the floods thanks to the internet and social media.


Related stories:
BoM: More cyclones than average likely for Australia
Insurance premiums unlikely to inflate despite stormy weather
Sept tropical cyclones cost global economy over US$4bn
Aon calls for greater disaster awareness
 

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!