Bushfires in South Australia cause $13 million in insured losses to date

A total of 350 claims had been lodged with Australian insurers as of Wednesday morning, with insured losses of more than AUD$13 million, in the wake of bushfires in South Australia.

Rob Whelan, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), reported that the bushfire situation in the area remained uncertain, with emergency services preparing for deteriorating weather conditions over the next few days.

“More properties may be potentially vulnerable at this time and it is critical for residents in bushfire-affected areas to ensure they follow the advice of emergency services,” Whelan emphasized in an ICA statement.

Helpful human offers thirsty koala sips of water while fires rage in Australia http://t.co/vTdA7e1V3F pic.twitter.com/6TRj9U5VzZ

— The Dodo (@dodo) January 7, 2015

“The ICA continues to liaise with the state government, emergency services, local governments and members of parliament to provide support and help resolve issues,” he added.

Heartbreaking pictures show koala recovering from burns after Australia bush fires http://t.co/BMkoyWyX2V pic.twitter.com/dA9oc3diVq

— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) January 8, 2015

On Jan. 5, the ICA declared a catastrophe for bushfire-affected regions near Adelaide, where properties and vehicles have been severely damaged or destroyed. A declaration means insurers escalate their response, with claims arising from the bushfires being given priority, Whelan announced at the time.

Under the declaration, the ICA established a task force of insurers to identify and address issues that arise; activated its disaster hotline to help affected residents; and activated its disaster team.