The Association of British Insurers says its members were braced for further flood claims after they estimated £50m-£100m-worth in Cumbria and southern Scotlandso far.
At least 1,500 homes have been hit by floods and up more than 12 bridges were reported to be either badly damaged or to have collapsed.
All 1,800 bridges in Cumbria, where the county council estimated damage to property and infrastructure as at least £75m, were being inspected.
Flood defences under construction in Carlisle successfully held back waters from 2,500 properties at risk.
Experts have suggested compiling a national register of bridges including their vulnerability to flooding so authorities can decide which to close in the event of extreme weather.
Seventeen flood warnings were in force across northern parts of England, Scotland and Wales and for localised flooding in western counties of Northern Ireland last night.
Thirteen buildings were declared in imminent danger of collapse in Cockermouth on Sunday.
The outlook remains grim with storms expected well into next month.
The government has promised an extra £1m of emergency reconstruction aid to match a pledge from the North West’s regional development agency.
23/11/09 Financial Times 2
Times 6-7
Daily Telegraph 7, B5
Guardian 4
Independent 6-7
