AON South Africa Insurance has declared the East Rand [Ekurhuleni] a natural catastrophic zone following this week’s heavy rains and flash floods.

The company’s Ms Mandy Barrett said by lunchtime on Thursday, November 10, a day after the floods, over 150 claims had already been lodged via the company’s call centre alone.

She said more claims continue to pour in.

“Huge property losses have also been incurred, especially in the vicinity of the Jukskei River which burst its banks. While it’s still too early to quantify the extent of the damage today [November 11], expectations are that these will be significant and that claims handling will be kicked into high gear to deal with the influx,” said Ms Barrett.

She said in the last four years, weather-related damage has cost the insurance industry R2,5billion in losses.

Ms Barrett said consumers need to make sure their insurance policies cover them comprehensively.

“Make sure it’s not only for the damage, but for any alternative arrangements that need to be made while the damage is being repaired,” she said.