COCKERMOUTH, England—Deadly floods that hit in northern England in November have cost insurers about £206 million ($331.9 million), the Assn. of British Insurers said.

Five deaths were blamed on the flooding brought on by heavy rain that washed away bridges and caused extensive damage to homes and businesses in the Cumbria area.

The London-based ABI said about 60% of the £206 million was paid on commercial claims. Insurers have received 36,000 claims related to the flooding, according to the group.

“This event highlights how important it is for firms to have business continuity insurance to ensure that they can continue trading while the business recovers and local infrastructure, such as bridges, are repaired,” Nick Starling, the ABI’s director of general insurance and health, said in a statement.