SES starts the clean up after wind gusts up to 95km/h
Wednesday January 29, 2009
Trees on houses and powerlines were among the many jobs Cobar SES volunteers were called to following last Friday’s severe wind storm. - Photo by Ruth Stevens, SES
Wind gusts up to 95km/h which hit Cobar during a thunderstorm on Friday night kept local State Emergency Service volunteers busy.
Cobar SES Unit team leader David Snelson said the unit received multiple calls shortly after the storm from residents requiring assistance.
“The storm produced severe wind gusts that ripped branches from trees and blew down a number of trees in streets and house yards around Cobar.
“Roofs were damaged on a number of buildings in the town and powerlines were damaged by flying debris,” he said.
Mr Snelson said crews worked until midnight to clear the mess, assisted by members of Cobar Fire Brigade.
“This work was hampered by live fallen powerlines in some areas,” he said.
The Cobar Meteorological Office measured the highest wind gust of 95km/h at 8.47pm on Friday, and just over 8mm of rain fell with the storm.
Cobar SES duty officer Ben Machul said immediately following the storm the SES phone rang “consistently”.
“The SES unit responded immediately to those calls, sending crews to the worst affected areas of the town to remove fallen trees from buildings and yards,” Mr Machul said.
SES volunteers also worked over the weekend to continue the clean up, attending a total of 23 callouts.
Far West Region SES Controller Graeme Craig said Friday’s storm was a timely reminder for Cobar residents to ensure their property is adequately prepared for the storm season.
“Simple actions such as cleaning out debris from gutters, downpipes and drains, keeping your roof in good repair, clearing up loose items from your yard or verandahs, and trimming back overhanging branches may make a big difference in reducing damage if you are hit by a storm this season,” Mr Craig said.
“On average, storms cost the state $196 million annually and are the most costly of all natural hazards.
“Unlike bushfires, all properties in the state are potentially at risk of damage,” he said.
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