Insurers have received more than 3950 storm and flood claims after a week of severe weather in north Queensland, the Insurance Council of Australia said today.  

ICA declared the floods a significant insurance event on Sunday.

Many communities remain isolated and it is too early to estimate the total damage bill, the Insurance Council says.

Ingham, south of Cairns, received more than 1200mm of rain over three days, with many homes and businesses inundated.

Several flood warnings remain in the region and a major flood warning is still in effect for the Herbert River.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy says half-hour falls of 40-50mm have been recorded in the southern suburbs of Townsville.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said: “The level of damage will be immense.”

Insurers are helping customers at an insurance hub at Townsville Stadium: representatives from Suncorp, RACQ, IAG, Hollard, Allianz, QBE and Youi will be available there.  

“The true impact of this event on property, business and infrastructure remains to be seen,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said. “Claims continue to grow from this widespread event and insurers are committed to supporting policyholders through the claims process.

“We encourage residents to only return home and begin the clean-up process when it’s safe to do so.”

An $8 million community relief package, funded by the federal and Queensland governments, is now available to councils hit by flooding and severe weather to aid essential immediate recovery work.

Funding of up to $1 million per council area is available for Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Whitsunday and Yarrabah.

It will help councils remove waste and debris; clean up properties, community facilities, playground and parks; and undertake other make-safe activities.

“The severe rainfall and flooding has had an immense impact on the region, with large amounts of debris, silt and waste that require immediate clean-up to protect the health of communities,” Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said.

Structural assistance grants of up to $80,000 are available for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to restore homes to safe and habitable conditions.

Income-tested grants of up to $5000 are also on offer to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services such as electricity, gas, water or sewerage.

KHI Insurance Services MD Rochelle Kettles, based in Cairns, told insuranceNEWS.com.au many claims are likely to be lodged in coming days and weeks.

“The power is still cut and we’re probably not going to start getting phone calls for a few days ... We will have clients who are affected. It’s a hard, slow process when so many areas have been affected,” the broker said.

Ms Kettles says nearly all residential clients have flood cover. Her business clients are advised to have flood cover, but she says it is likely some “are going to be really affected by this, and hopefully some government incentives will help them”.  

“The flood premium was quite hefty, so some people opted to remove it ... but then things happen like this and you wish you had it on there.”  

Brokers say there is potential for business interruption claims, depending on individual policy wording, with cafes and restaurants unable to receive supplies due to road interruptions.

“It’s going to affect everyone from Townsville up [to Cairns], and inland is getting flooded as well. It’s been pretty consistent and relentless,” Ms Kettles said.