​Western Australia's Kimberley region has experienced the worst flood in the state's recorded history following Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which moved through the region in early January this year. Communities are facing lengthy and costly clean-up as flooding has led to severe damage to homes and infrastructure.

LGIS stands ready to assist our members who have been affected by this devastating flood event. With the assistance of WALGA and DFES, we were able to get our adjusters on the ground as quickly as possible to ensure effective support to our members. 

Members are advised to inform us as soon as possible if they have sustained any property and asset damage.

Be ready with these details when informing LGIS

• Name of the building and type of damage (for example roof is partially torn off, electrical water damaged, water damage to flooring throughout and number of light poles down)
• A broad idea of repair costs. Ballpark figure is absolutely fine at this stage.
• Any pictures of the damage if available yet
• Confirmation when a full check for damages throughout your area of responsibility is likely to be complete – again ballpark is fine.

Emergency works advised for members

• Safeguard your properties and contents from further damage.
• Ensure power and utilities are isolated.
• Where necessary undertake any make-safe repairs.
• Where maintenance and make-safe repairs are done, retain invoices.
• Ensure records of costs and decisions are maintained.
• Take a picture of the damage prior to any work being undertaken.

When planning the clean-up, consider the protection that may be required when working in damp, potentially mouldy conditions. WorkSafe WA has developed advice on how to recover after a cyclone or major flooding. You can access the information sheet here.

LGIS support services

If any of your people have been impacted by the floods, you may want to access our critical incident debrief services to provide counselling and group support. All discussions are private and confidential.

If you do have damages, please email generalclaims@lgiswa.com.au or call your LGIS claims consultants. If you have any more queries please contact your LGIS account manager.