After three successive years of La Niña,climate modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology (last updated 9 May 2023) shows an increased likelihood that the El Niño climate driver may form in the Pacific Ocean later this year.
As Australia is on the frontline of these changing climate conditions, it’s never been more important for you to keep customers informed of the impact catastrophic weather events can have on life and property.
An El Niño event takes place when warm water off the east coast of Australia travels to the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. This takes the energy for rainfall with it, resulting in unusually dry and warm weather over large areas of the country, as well as a higher likelihood of drought and bushfires.
“With the large amount of rain and flooding seen in some areas we have a high level of grass and new growth, which causes a high fuel load and therefore increases the risk of bushfires,” says Mark O’Connor, National Claims Technical and Business Operations at Allianz. “We’re also likely to see an increase in flash flooding as a result of water table levels remaining high. It’s something we’re watching out for across Australia.”
“We know from previous experience that El Niño is most likely to impact weather in Australia during the winter and spring months, in particular, so now is the time to prepare,” says Mark.
You can help your customers prepare themselves for extended periods of hot and dry weather, as well as flash flooding. Review their insurance and make sure they have the appropriate cover before an extreme weather event occurs.
We also have a range of guides available that you can share with your customers. They outline how customers can prepare their motor, homes, businesses, or both, for extreme weather events before, during and after they occur.
For some insurance policies, please note that a 72-hour waiting period may apply to cyclone, flood, flood combined with run-off and/or rainwater, grassfire or bushfire claims.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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