In East Brabant
Water board must compensate part of water damage
After all the flooding in May and June 2016, De Dommel Water Board received 323 damage claims. In 41 cases, the water board is obliged to pay out part of the damage amount. In these cases, the water board is to blame, according to an expert.
323 people have filed a claim for damages. This mainly concerns agricultural entrepreneurs who had water damage to their crops and plots. In July of this year, 50 damage files were assessed and it turned out that the water board could be blamed. A loss adjuster has re-investigated, after which 41 people are actually paid an amount. That reports the water board on their website.
50
procent
Water drainage obstructed
A total of 13 causes have been identified, for which the water board can be blamed. These cases are reflected in the 50 files. It concerns a clogged culvert, undersized ditch or mowing work that has not been carried out. This hinders water drainage. A loss adjuster judges that in 41 cases the damage was caused or worsened as a result. The compensation that is paid varies from 2,5% to 50% of the claimed damage.
Not everything solved
9 more files remain unsolved. In 3 cases because the damage cannot be attributed to the water board. In 6 other cases, the claimant must provide further insight into his damage. The victims have now all been informed of the verdict.
More money for climate
The water board visited the victims and drew up a report on a case-by-case basis. This has shown that in many cases several causes are mentioned. Insurer Centraal Beheer has assessed the files, which takes a lot of time.
The water board has now decided to invest an additional €10 to €15 million in a more climate-proof water system. The plan is now being developed and implemented. However, it is of the opinion that flooding can never be prevented 100%. Between the end of May and the end of June, more than 300 millimeters of rain fell locally last year, 5 times the average.
Niels van der Boom
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