Italian ICMIF member, the Unipol Group, and UnipolSai Assicurazioni Spa, are working hard to support the victims of the floods last week in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. UnipolSai has launched a structured and integrated plan of interventions to try to help people affected by the recent floods that occurred in Emilia Romagna, with the aim of supporting customers and agencies residing in the areas affected by the flood.

In a context of difficulty and suffering, the plan provides for interventions to facilitate the management of claims; grant significant extensions/deferrals; and provide adequate and timely responses. A toll-free number for policyholders has been activated by the insurer.

In recent days, it was also announced that the Unipol Group is supporting initiatives to help the communities affected by flooding in association with American entrepreneur Elon Musk through his company SpaceX. The Unipol Group has acquired a number of Starlink terminals that will allow rescuers, essential services (for example hospitals) and the public to have better access to the internet. SpaceX is now positioning its satellites to give priority to the Emilia-Romagna region and therefore provide improved coverage to the people affected by flooding at this time. At the time of writing, a recent post from Starlink’s official account indicated that over 150 Starlink kits have already arrived in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region.

Carlo Cimbri, Chair of the Unipol Group said “when a tragedy like this happens, I think we all have a duty to contribute. In addition to supporting its policyholders, Unipol is also making every effort to actively help the communities affected”.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla said “SpaceX, Starlink and Tesla are happy to be of use in any way to help Italy and the people affected by the flooding”.

Starlink’s satellite internet service can provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas, and it is expected to be a valuable tool for rescuers and others working to help those affected by the flooding.

The flooding in Italy has been caused by torrential rains that have fallen in recent weeks, causing widespread damage; killing 14 people; and displacing thousands of other people. The country’s agriculture sector has also been badly affected by the floods.