2012 Bollywood film ‘Oh My God’ starring Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar revolved around a shop owner whose shop is destroyed by an earthquake. He later learns from the insurance company that his claim does not cover any damage caused by natural calamities classified under ‘Act of God’ and he has to go through a lot to get justice.
Something very similar can be experienced in Nepal these days. Those who have lost their insured properties are being asked to bring the proof of earthquake occurrence by the insurance companies. The earthquake of magnitude 7.8 that hit Nepal on April 24th and took away more than 8,000 lives and destroyed the properties worth billions seems to be out of these companies’ knowledge. It’s been more than a month and the national and international media have been regularly covering the stories related with it but still these companies seem to be completely unaware of it.
In an interview with Kantipur; Chief of National Seismological Centre – Lok Bijaya Adhikari said that he is shocked to receive requests to prove the occurrence of the earthquake from business houses, firms and individuals as demanded by their insurance companies.
Shriman Karki, Director of Insurance Board, informed that the insurance companies have been instructed to act fast and efficiently on the insurance claims related with the earthquake. He also reminded that there is no need to present a proof of earthquake’s occurrence along with the claim.
Insurance companies are often blamed to be unfair but it is even more disappointing to see such acts during this crucial time of national tragedy.
