The story of one family…

As with many of the stories we heard, this one is quite a tragedy and sticks in my mind. It’s one that I’d like to share with you.

Below are pictures of what remains of a ‘dream home’ one family were building down by the beachfront. This family spent $850,000 on building this home, which was almost complete when the storm hit. As you can see, the house is devastated and in need of a total rebuild. The insurance company has paid out their claim - a mere $250,000 (which from what we heard is the maximum payout families on the region received) - not nearly enough to either re-build or repair what is left.

Based on the hefty mortgage repayments and their inability to re-build (to either live in the property or sell it), the family has had to file for bankruptcy.

Washed away in the storm were not only the bricks and mortar, but their dreams of enjoying a life by the sea...