With storm season upon us, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning Australians they’re in for severe weather this summer.  Summer is typically associated with bushfires, but with hot weather can come thunderstorms and flooding with national insurer AAMI and the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) have revealed the state's worst storm-damaged hotspots this past financial year.

AAMI data also revealed that three of Victoria’s top 10 storm-battered suburbs were located in Shepparton (table 1 below).

This was also one of the areas where VICSES had the most requests for assistance in the past financial year (table 2 below).

When we compared AAMI and VICSES data, showing insurance claims alongside calls for help to the SES, we found six of the ten were the same.

This included Shepparton, Mornington, Croydon, Craigieburn, Mooroopna, and Mount Martha.  

Quotes below attributable to VICSES Chief Officer, Operations, Tim Wiebusch:

“Looking at this data, we know flooding incidents for 2022 - 2023 increased by more than 130 per cent compared to the last financial year, that's why it's important for communities remain vigilant and prepared for all emergencies, particularly as we move into summer and especially if you live in a high-risk area.”

“Don’t wait for the emergency to have a plan. It is vital to know your risk and to have a robust plan in place for storms, flash flooding along with potential bushfires.”

"The severe flood impacts that devastated many parts of Victoria last year in October, was one of the most significant flood events in our state’s history."

"As always, our members stepped up for their communities providing much-needed emergency assistance 24 hours a day, and as we move into the next high-risk season, our SES volunteers will continue to support their communities".

Quotes attributable to AAMI Executive General Manager Home Claims Alli Smith:

 “Our home claims data showed that rain, followed by hail and flood were the most common causes of damage to homes across Victoria.

"In October 2022, areas across Victoria including Rochester, Mooroopna and Shepparton were impacted by floods, which resulted in a large volume of claims.

"In November 2022 heavy rainfall and damaging winds continued, with flash flooding impacting the Mornington Peninsula, particularly Mornington and Mount Martha.

"In February this year, the state also experienced significant rain and hail, damaging homes in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

“As a result of these weather events, our customers experienced everything from water ingress, damaged roofs and flooding, and in some cases were displaced from their homes.

“Storms are a normal part of everyday life in Victoria, which means damage from them can catch people off guard. Aussies tend to have a ‘laissez faire’ attitude when it comes to preparing for summer storms. However, what Victorians don’t realise is that storms can be a serious event and don’t need to last long to cause severe damage to their homes.

“Although some areas of the state, particularly Shepparton, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne’s North and North-West copped a battering, storms by their nature are unpredictable and can happen anywhere and anytime, so it’s vital to not be complacent and prepare your home now.

“Despite the heightened risk of bushfires from El Nino, we need to also be ready and prepare for wild weather brought by thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging wind and hail.” 

Top tips to prepare include:

o   Securing and putting away loose items around your backyard or balcony

o   Trimming trees and branches that could fall onto your home or car

o   Cleaning your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris

o   Parking your vehicles under cover and away from trees or powerlines

o   Inspecting retaining walls

o   Ensuring there’s no corrosion, loose fittings or rotting timber around your property

o   Inspecting your roof for damaged or loose tiles.

To find out more about how to best prepare your home and family for storm season, visit:

How To Prepare Your Home for Storms.

Background:

AAMI analysed more than 14,887 weather-related home insurance claims across Victoria from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, to reveal the hardest hit suburbs. 

According to VICSES data, over the past financial year (ending 22/23), VICSES volunteers received a total of 32,985 requests for assistance across the state. Benalla was the hardest hit suburb with 207 requests for assistance, followed by Echuca with 206, and Lilydale with 195.