A major storm that brought heavy rain, wind and hail to southern Alberta on August 7 and 8 caused an estimated $450 million in insured damage according to Property Claim Services (PCS).
The August storm brings insurance payments from natural catastrophes to $4 billion in Alberta since 2011.
“While the frequency and severity of weather events have been rising across the country, Alberta has been hardest hit,” says Bill Adams, vice-president, Western and Pacific,
Insurance Bureau of Canada. “What’s more is that we are not out of the woods yet; Alberta hail season traditionally runs through the end of September.”
The intense storm at the beginning of August brushed by Calgary and struck Airdrie and surrounding areas, including Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer, with torrential rains and both golf-ball and tennis-ball-sized hail.
“This storm damaged tens of thousands of cars and homes. As such, some insurers brought in claims staff from other provinces and the United States to help those affected and to process claims,” says Adams. “Claims adjusters, body shops and contractors continue to assess and repair damages. Anyone who was affected is encouraged to contact their insurance representative as soon as possible to begin the claims process.”
Although Alberta bears the brunt of catastrophic claims in Canada, data from a recent Global Catastrophe Recap report shows that economic losses from global natural disasters during the six-month period ending June 30 totaled $54 billion – a huge dip from the previous year’s $95 billion, and 49 per cent lower than the 10-year (2004-2013) average of $106 billion. (continued.)
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Here are the natural catastrophes and their estimated insured damage that have occurred in Alberta since 2011:
August 2014 – A severe wind, rain and hail storm resulted in $450 million in insured damage in Airdrie and surrounding communities.
June 2013 – Severe weather events including the flooding in southern Alberta caused over $1.7 billion in insured damage.
August 2012 – the Calgary region and surrounding areas were hit with wind and thunderstorm resulted in insured damage of more than $535 million.
July 2012 – Insured damage of over $100 million was caused by an Edmonton wind and thunderstorm.
July 2012 –Severe wind and thunderstorm from Cardston to Nanton, Alberta caused over $71 million in insured damage.
November 2011 – Wind and thunderstorm in Alberta caused more than $230 million in insured damage.
July 2011 – Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan wind and thunderstorm cost over $190 million in insured damage.
May 2011 – Serious fire in Slave Lake, Alberta had estimated insured damage of more than $717 million
