The west coast of New Zealand’s South Island has been battered by strong winds and heavy rain – and the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) warns the event is likely to have been influenced by climate change.

A state of emergency was declared in the region as some areas were hit by almost a year’s rainfall yesterday and today.

Flooding has been reported in the town of Hokitika, and a bridge near Franz Josef was washed away.

The system is heading north and further severe weather is expected early next week as the remnants of Cyclone Trevor hit the country.

ICNZ says insured losses are not yet clear, but CEO Tim Grafton believes “important conversations” about climate change need to be had. He says such storms are becoming “increasingly likely”.

“MetService has noted this storm is in part due to warm marine weather, which is something we expect to see more of as climate change progresses,” Mr Grafton said.

“Our west coast is particularly vulnerable to these sorts of weather fronts, so it’s important the council and communities have conversations about risk and resilience and how they can begin planning and adapting for these sorts of events to reduce the likelihood of future property losses.”