Disaster (Flood,Coastal,EQ,W-Fire,etc.) News

West Indiana Levee Creates Flood Insurance Dilemma

Owners of nearly 800 properties in a western Indiana town could be forced to buy flood insurance unless the town can provide federal officials proof that its levee system will provide protection. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to end …

Oklahoma Flooding Causes Insurance Problems for Some Homeowners

Recent severe flooding in Oklahoma, on top of extensive damage caused by violent storms in May, have caused headaches for property owners and insurers alike in that state. The June deluge caused additional to homes of some residents still waiting …

Celia is First Eastern Pacific Hurricane; Currently No Threat to Land

The first hurricane of the current season has formed in the Eastern Pacific. The storm, named Celia is being tracked by The National Hurricane Center in Miami and Risk management Solutions. On its current course it poses no threat to …

Senate Again Rejects Bill Containing Flood Insurance Program Restart

The U.S. Senate yesterday again voted down a legislative package on jobless benefits, Medicare payments to doctors and business tax breaks that also contains reauthorization of the nation’s flood insurance program. Despite reducing the overall cost of the package, Democrats …

Oil Fears May Hurt Gulf States’ Economies More Than BP Spill

Fear that oil from a huge BP Plc spill will damage Mississippi’s coast is hurting the state’s economy more than oil damage itself, according to a new report. Tourists are staying away from restaurants and hotels and sport fishing is …

Lloyd’s Team to Assess Chile Earthquake

Lloyd’s has confirmed that a team has been sent to Chile to “help the market better understand the impact of February’s earthquake and assist in ensuring the speedy payment of valid claims.” The delegation, made up of representatives from the …

U.S. Ex-Im Bank Gives Financial Support to Rebuild Chile Infrastructure

The Export Import Bank of the United States announced that over the last two months it has “has approved five medium-term insurance policies through PNC Bank for buyers in Chile, all of which focus on infrastructure development.” The bank’s bulletin …

Flash Floods Take 20 Lives in Southern France

A series of heavy rainstorms has caused rivers and creeks in southern France to rise to unprecedented levels. Flash floods have swept away cars and houses, and directly caused the deaths of at least 20 people, with the toll expected …

How New Independent BP Claims Process Should Work

The White House offered an explanation Wednesday of how its new independent claims process would work for those harmed by the BP oil spill, including details of a $20 billion escrow account funded by the British oil giant. NEW DAMAGE …

Florida CFO Sink Intercedes for Local Businessman with BP

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink was in the middle of a dramatic confrontation at a BP oil spill claims office Tuesday after going to bat for a distraught owner of a bait and tackle shop. Sink, who is a …