Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and its brands AMI, State and NZI have provided support to its customers affected by severe weather that hit several parts of New Zealand on Friday, including a tornado that damaged close to 50 homes.

“Today’s events, such as the tornado in Levin this morning, are a reminder of the destruction wild weather can bring, and our thoughts are with those who have had their lives disrupted as a result of the storm system today,” said Wayne Tippet, executive general manager, claims, IAG New Zealand.

“As of 12:30 pm Friday, we have received 100 claims across our brands, largely for damage sustained to homes and roofs. We expect this number to rise as the extent of the damage becomes clearer. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will deploy teams to affected areas to provide on the ground support to customers. With further bad weather forecast, our priority is assessing damage to broken windows and roofing, so people’s homes and businesses can be secured as quickly as possible.”

Aside from the tornado, thunderstorms, gales, heavy rain, large waves and coastal inundation were forecast over parts of the North Island, while the South Island is expected to see snow.

Following the tornado, the Horowhenua District Council formed a mayoral relief fund to assist people affected by the incident. The council also called for contractors with trucks and as well as volunteers from the community to assist with the cleanup.

The New Zealand government contributed $100,000 to the mayoral relief fund, Minister for Emergency Management Kiri Allan said.

“I have been in touch with Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden to offer the government’s support, and want to thank everyone who has moved quickly to respond to this event and keep people safe,” Allan said. “As the response moves into cleanup and recovery, I encourage everyone in the region to continue to follow advice and instructions from Civil Defence and the Horowhenua District Council. Stay safe, don’t take any chances.”