More heavy rain is hitting the West Coast this morning putting residents on alert.
The Coast is among 12 regions identified in a government report where some communities are at the most risk of flooding.
The report names 44 communities nationwide which are considered vulnerable because they're unprepared - with no plans to build protection such as flood walls, and because of low average incomes, their local authorities cannot raise rates to fund the work needed.
The report excludes large urban areas that might have pockets of vulnerable communities at high risk of flooding. So far this year, extreme weather events have cost $298 million to insurers.
The massive storm in August in Nelson and Marlborough alone resulted in just over 3000 general insurance claims, with a provisional value of nearly $48 million.
So what does this report - naming individual communities - mean for the abilities of those homeowners to get insurance cover?
Kathryn talks with the Insurance Council Chief Executive Tim Grafton.
Nelson flood damage in Atawhai as seen on 19 August 2022. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
