Louisiana pegs Tropical Storm Bill damage at US$16 million

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is estimating insured damage from Tropical Storm Bill at US$16 million, including claims under the federal flood insurance program.These losses are of the nature of a severe thunderstorm, rather than a tropical storm, says insurance commissioner Robert Wooley. “Damage estimates will likely increase slightly, but I don’t believe Bill caused much more damage than what we’re reporting now,” he adds.Most claims are for flooded vehicles and debris, such as tree limbs, falling on homes and businesses.Thus far, more than 2,250 homeowners claims have been filed valued at US$7.2 million, more than 1,150 private passenger claims for $4 million, and about 1,000 commercial claims totaling $4 million. Federal flood programs claims number 255 and total $800,000.Tropical Storm Bill hit the U.S. Gulf Coast the first week of July, with winds up to 60 mph and rainfall of almost 6 inches in some areas, knocking out power to thousands of homes. Tornadoes were also reported as part of the storm. One man was killed in Atlanta as a result of a falling tree limb, a 10-year-old boy drowned in a swollen North Carolina creek, and two swimmers drowned in waters in the Florida Panhandle.