ACT State Emergency Services responded to 65 calls during yesterday’s storms. Photo: ACT ESA Facebook.
The ACT State Emergency Services responded to 65 calls for assistance yesterday, including one potentially dangerous gas line rupture in Kaleen.
The team of over 40 personnel met all 65 requests, and an incident management team was set up to accommodate the high volume of calls, which has since been stood down.
Most incidents were from general storm damage, including minor flooding in homes, leaking roofs and fallen trees. Kambah had the highest volume of requests for assistance.
In Kaleen, it is suspected a falling gum tree ruptured an underground gas line. Residents were notified and advised to stay inside. Responders concluded that there was no threat to the community and the issue has since been resolved.
While all incidents have been responded to, severe thunderstorms may be on their way later today (1 February), most likely in the afternoon or evening.
Morgan Pumpa from the Bureau of Meteorology said the recent storms were the result of a “trough which has moved in from inland NSW and moved into the north-eastern parts of the state”.
The distinguishing trait of yesterday’s storms was that while some areas were hit hard and quickly, others received minimal rainfall at all.
“Canberra Airport had less than 1 mm on our system for the 24 hours until 9 am this morning,” Ms Pumpa said.
“However, Tuggeranong recorded 26.2 mm in 30 minutes up until 3:50 pm, and over the 24 hours had 31.6 mm.”
With the possibility of further storms, ACT SES has again encouraged residents to move their cars undercover and away from trees, secure loose items around their house and yard, keep clear of creeks and storm drains, and never drive ride or walk through floodwater.
If you require assistance in a storm or flood, call the ACT State Emergency Services on 132 500. If the emergency is life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000).
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