New Zealand insurers have paid $NZ19.7 million ($18.6 million) to meet losses from the February floods that caused a state of emergency in Southland, Fiordland and Clutha.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) says more than half the figure was for commercial damage and business interruption.

“These figures reinforce the scale of damage that a flood can cause,” CEO Tim Grafton said.

“Sadly, these events are becoming ever more frequent and severe for our communities, and we know that with climate change this will only increase.”

Mr Grafton says greater adaptation and risk reduction is needed.

“Flood-prone areas of New Zealand are well known,” he said. “We need to be mindful of this.”