A wet start to summer keeps VICSES volunteers busy

A wet start to summer keeps VICSES volunteers busy

03/12/2021, 11:19 AM

The wet start to summer this week as left our Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers incredibly busy on Wednesday and Thursday.

Over the last 24 hours (To 09:00am Friday), VICSES volunteers have received more than 600 calls for assistance across the state.

Of those calls, 482 are for fallen trees, over 90 for building damage, and eight for flood assistance.

Widespread strong winds have affected various units across the state, with VICSES Morwell Unit volunteers the busiest, responding to almost 80 calls for help.

Other units kept busy throughout the night include:

  • VICSES Maroondah Unit (77)
  • VICSES Manningham Unit (50)
  • VICSES Knox Unit (46)

VICSES thanks the community for their patience as our volunteers continue to respond to requests for assistance, working through them as quickly as possible with about 50 calls for help remaining outstanding this morning.

VICSES has experienced it’s busiest winter and spring period in its history following recent severe storms in June and October.

Ensure you consider your need to travel and watch out for large trees as recent wet and windy weather may have destabilised trees or branches, making them more likely to fall.

VICSES is asking communities to avoid areas that have been recently affected by storms, as the further wet and windy weather can add to the already significant risk of trees falling without warning

Ensure to download the VicEmergency app for warning and advice messaging, and check the VicTraffic mobile app or website before travelling for updates on road closures, hazards and to consider alternative journeys.

A reminder if you need VICSES emergency assistance, ring 132 500 or Triple-zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.

Quotes attributable to VICSES State Agency Commander, Alistair Drayton

“Our volunteers have had a busy night, with several units responding to calls for help for trees over their homes or vehicles. Please ensure you remain vigilant, and stay away from large trees as they can fall without warning”.

“While it may still be wet out there, it’s a reminder to never drive through floodwater. It can take just 15cm of water for a small car to float, and may be the last decision you make.

“Please keep up to date with relevant emergency information by visiting the VicEmergency website, or by downloading the VicEmergency app”.