In February 2019, Townsville on the Eastern coast of Australia was devastated by one of the worst natural disasters to affect the State of Queensland A slow-moving tropical low-pressure system and monsoon trough stalled for nearly a week over the Townsville region which caused major widespread flooding and wind damage to many properties.
Losses have been estimated by the Insurance Council of Australia at A$1.24 billion resulting in over 30,000 motor, business and retail claims being submitted to insurers.
In the immediate aftermath of the event, Crawford mobilised over 50 adjusters into Townsville and the surrounding areas. Crawford Australia was well supported by our colleagues from New Zealand and dealt with over 2,220 commercial, business interruption, marine, motor, and household claims.
Every CAT event brings with it its own unusual challenges but Townsville was slightly different with reports of crocodiles swimming through the affected suburbs.
The event also had a very personal impact on one of our employees, Townsville Manager, Lauren Cook who experienced the devastation first hand when her own home succumbed to the floodwaters but that didn’t stop Lauren from helping others who were similarly affected.
In addition to the immediate access challenges, North Queensland has a subtropical climate with high humidity and the effect of mould has been an ever-present challenge during the restoration and repair process.
After eight months of hard work, we are approaching the milestone of over 80% of claims now being settled which is above the industry average.
Crawford employees have yet again come together throughout Australia to assist customers through the traumatic experience and to restore lives, businesses, and communities.
