REGINA (Staff) – Damage will be double what was first expected as a result of the “plow wind” that tore a wide swath across southeastern Saskatchewan and into Manitoba, says an Oxbow insurer.
“Lots of farmers out there didn’t have their bins insured, a lot of farmers lost barns, a lot of damage is showing up that we weren’t aware of,” said Don Kerslake of Oxbow Agencies. Damage is now estimated at between $9 and $10 million.
His agency has handled 275 claims alone, he said. With other local insurers included, there will probably be 400 claims.
The damage estimate ballooned when some of the industrial and commercial damage became obvious. Two oil service rigs were overturned, which will cost over $700,000 to replace. More than 80 grain bins in the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool farm service centre were damaged, costing another $500,000.
Kerslake said much of the damage cannot be priced, such as uprooted trees.
Town mayor Len Yeates appealed to the provincial and federal governments for help, but has received no answer from either. The town is still accepting donations.
