Bushfires declared a catastrophe

Posted On: Nov. 12, 2019 5:54 AM CST

Waterbomber used by the NSW Rural Fire Service collects water from the Hinze Dam on Nov. 10 to fight bushfires around the Gold Coast./ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A state of emergency due to raging bushfires has been declared in the Australian state of New South Wales for a week starting Nov. 11, Canstar reports. The Insurance Council of Australia has declared these bushfires as a "catastrophe," thus claims made by residents and businesses impacted would be prioritized by all insurers.