Brokers should be prepared to help their clients through the claims for wind, flood and electric damage expected from Cyclone Gita when it is predicted to make landfall early this week, the Insurance Council says.
ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton told Insurance Business that New Zealanders had already weathered two storms this year, and Gita was expected to be just as severe.
“We understand people in the area that have already suffered major damage will be struggling but we strongly recommend they take steps to secure their homes and properties ahead of Gita’s predicted landfall,” he said.
“The arrival of the third major storm to hit New Zealand in six weeks is strong evidence of the impact of climate change. We need to take steps to prepare our communities for more frequent extreme weather to lessen the impact of subsequent events.”
The MetService has warned Kiwis to “get prepared” for the high impacts of Gita when it crosses New Zealand.
MetService senior meteorologist Lisa Murray said although it is uncertain of exactly where and when Gita will cross New Zealand, the storm is expected to be a “high impact event” for both the North and South Islands.
“Tropical Cyclone Gita will transition into an intense mid-latitude low before arriving on our shores, but it will still be a significant and potentially dangerous system bringing heavy rain, gale- to storm-force winds, large waves/swell and storm surge,” she said. “Local impacts are highly dependent on the track it takes.”
The government announced last week it would contribute a further $1.5 million towards relief efforts in Tonga, Fiji and Samoa in the aftermath of Gita.
