Insurers have paid out almost $20 million as a result of February's flooding in Southland.
Alison Bishop's house in Mataura suffered flooding damage. Photo: Supplied / Alison Bishop
A state of emergency was declared in Southland and Otago's Clutha district in early February as deluges inudated waterways, particularly the Mataura River.
The Insurance Council said preliminary figures show claims of more than $7m for home and contents, and almost a $1m for damage to vehicles has been paid.
$11.4m was claimed for damage to commercial property and business interruption.
The council's chief executive, Tim Grafton, said the figures show the damage floods can cause.