Tropical Storm Debby was more costly than 1998 ice storm, Insurance Board says [Video]

The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which caused significant flooding across the province, have become the ‘costliest severe weather event in Quebec’s history,’ surpassing the ice storm of 1998, the Insurance Bureau of Canada said Friday.

The damage cost $2.5 billion in insured losses, which is only a preliminary estimate, the IBC said in a press release.

The storm struck southern Quebec on Aug. 9 and 10, affecting homes, businesses and vehicles.

• IN PHOTOS: Heavy rain hits Montreal region causing flooding, cancellations

IBC pointed out that “insured losses from severe weather in Canada now regularly exceed $2 billion annually.”

Insurers have received an exceptional number of claims and are experiencing delays in processing them as a result. The Bureau is calling on the various levels of government to do their part to limit the losses associated with climate disruption and the extreme weather events that follow.

“All levels of government must also commit to preventing …