ACT SES crews have received more than 960 calls for help, with NSW crews deployed to help out. Photo: ACT ESA.
Clean up efforts are continuing across the ACT after Friday night’s thunderstorms damaged infrastructure and left 9000 homes without power.
ACT State Emergency Service (SES) crews have been working tirelessly throughout the weekend, after receiving more than 960 calls for help.
Incident Controller Tammy Bennett said most jobs had been centred around the Gungahlin, Belconnen and Tuggeranong suburbs.
“We found that the north Canberra region was hit harder … they had a lot of wind destruction, so a lot of trees fallen,” she said.
“A lot of these jobs are for leaking roofs and a lot of tree damage to properties, infrastructure around urban ACT.”
This included powerlines, with EvoEnergy repair teams also out in force to restore power as Canberrans continue to experience warmer than average day and night-time temperatures.
Almost all homes have had their power restored since Friday night’s thunderstorm. Photo: EvoEnergy / Facebook.
As of 5:30 on Sunday night (10 December), almost all impacted homes have had their power turned back on, with about 40 premises still needing individual repairs.
A statement from EvoEnergy said it was hoped all power would be restored by today (11 December).
“New outages today [Sunday] in Downer, Kambah and Weetangera will be made safe and repairs will take place tomorrow,” it stated.
“Crews from NSW distributors are also assisting us with our response to get everyone back on as quickly and safely as possible.”
NSW SES crews have also been deployed to the Territory to help with the clean up.
The state has also experienced severe weather over the weekend, with 297 incidents across the state, including the Central Coast, parts of Sydney and the South Coast.
SES jobs are prioritised by urgency and the risk posed to homeowners and the community, including clearing roads, footpaths and cycle paths.
Those who have called 132 500 for help and no longer need it have been urged to call back and cancel their request for help so crews can be reallocated.
“The crews will get to as many homes as possible,” Ms Bennett said.
“Some of the tree-on-a-house [jobs] can take crews up to three to four hours to complete, to make that home safe for the family or person who lives there … hence why we’re expected to be [cleaning up] until the end of the week.”
“There are members out there who do need support and I say, bear with us. We will get to you as soon as we possibly can.”
A community support hub will be open at Melba Copland Secondary School (Senior Campus at 97 Verbrugghen Street) on Monday from 10 am to 3 pm.
People who still don’t have power can access charging facilities, ice for eskies, food disposal bins and support persons who will be able to provide more information.
Green waste from homes can be disposed of for free at the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre and Canberra Sand and Gravel on Parkwood Road, Belconnen.
It can also be disposed of for a fee at Canberra Sand and Gravel on Vicars Street in Mitchell.
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