General News
2 September, 2024
Local SES crews kept busy as wild Weather triggers 2000 emergency calls
VICSES responds to 2800+ requests amid destructive winds.
Emergency services were kept busy during a night of damaging and destructive winds in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
A spokesperson from the Victorian State Emergency Service said the organisation received almost 2000 emergency calls amid the wild weather.
"Between 1900 last night and 1000 this morning, VICSES volunteers across the state have been paged to more than 2800 requests for assistance," the spokesperson said.
"More than 2100 concerned downed trees, and almost 700 relating to building damage."
The spokesperson said the Grampians, which incorporated the Wimmera, the SES was paged to almost 150 requests for assistance, with almost 100 concerning trees down and almost 40 building damage.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recorded peak wind gusts of 133 kilometres per hour at Mount Gellibrand and 93km/h in Warracknabeal.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
AdvertisementStay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
Stay indoors and away from windows.
If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.