Most homes flooded in Truro not covered by insurance

Many residents in central Nova Scotia whose homes were flooded after heavy rains caused two rivers to overflow in the Truro area are not covered by their insurance policies.

"The easiest way to put it is that there is no flood insurance available on a homeowner's policy. Flood being defined as water from an extraneous source such as a river, lake, stream," said Carolyn James, chair of the Insurance Brokers' Association of Nova Scotia.

James said the only exception is if a homeowner has paid extra for a sewer backup clause.

In that case, if water entered the home through the sewer system, like a pipe backup, then the policyholder would be covered.

Meanwhile, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter has promised to meet with municipal leaders in the Truro area to discuss a long-term solution to on-going flooding issues.

He said he plans to see if there's enough damage to apply for federal relief money afterthe area was pummelled with upwards of 75 millimetresof rain Monday.

Forecasters with the Canadian Hurricane Centre said the rainstorm was not due to tropical storm Leslie, but rather a separate storm that temporarily blocked Leslie's progress.