Insurance companies are to bear the brunt as  people start to claim for damage in the aftermath of the freak storm that  wreaked havoc in perth WA on march 22 2010.

WA has put out a request for interstate help as insurance companies struggle with more than $100 million in claims after the biggest storm to hit Perth in 15 years.

During Monday’s storm, Perth recorded its fifth-highest March daily rainfall in 134 years of records, and its wettest March day for 39 years.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in Perth today to meet Mr Barnett, said federal funds would be made available for the clean-up.

Widespread blackouts - More than 158,000 houses were left without power at the height of the storm

Storms refunds and rebates from goverments and Business

Anyone without power for longer than 12 hours can apply for an $80 payment through the extended outage payment scheme. Forms will be available on the Western Power website, or by calling 13 10 87. Applications can also be made online.

Mr Barnett yesterday declared the devastating storm a natural disaster, meaning those affected will be eligible for funds through the WA natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements, which provides for payments to individuals, small businesses, government departments and farmers.

“Severe thunderstorms that caused damage to the Perth metropolitan area yesterday have been confirmed as eligible for disaster assistance through the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA),” Mr Barnett said.

WANDRRA is administered by FESA, with assistance from other agencies, and provides help to people who have suffered the direct impact of a declared natural disaster and who find it difficult to recover from the emergency.

Items typically covered by the WANDRRA include:

For individuals – Personal Hardship and Distress grants via Department for Child Protection
For small businesses – interest rate subsidies on loans approved by Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions
Local and State Government departments/agencies – Costs of Counter Disaster Operations (including clean-up costs) and the repair and restoration of ‘essential public assets’ and local road damage. Local and State road repair/restoration claims are co-ordinated by Main Roads Western Australia
Primary Producers – professional advice grants, interest rate subsidies and other measures administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

For more information visit the FESA website at http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au

More useful links for refunds/rebates

http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au/internet/default.aspx?MenuID=376

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/PC_92634.html?s=1001

Photos of the Storm perth

More Storm  photos at the — > forums ( (( Register Now))