General News
4 January, 2024
SES's week of flooded homes, rescues and and falling trees
SEVERE summer thunderstorms across the Loddon since Christmas Day has seen State Emergency Service volunteers part of the rescue and disaster response. Region operations manager Brad Dalgleish said yesterday most calls for assistance had been in the...
SEVERE summer thunderstorms across the Loddon since Christmas Day has seen State Emergency Service volunteers part of the rescue and disaster response.
Region operations manager Brad Dalgleish said yesterday most calls for assistance had been in the Wedderburn district.
He saidvolunteers had responded to 39 requests for assistance including fallen trees, 18 properties flood by water and five water rescues.
5 water rescues.
Rescues saw SES trained land based swift water rescue operators assist with saving a Wedderburn man, 60, whose vehicle was swept 500 metres down the Nardoo Creek on Tuesday night.
Local off-duty police sergeant Ben Huisman and CFA volunteers Andrew Roberts, Tansley, Scott Cunningham and his 15-year-old son Will have been described as local heroes are bring the man to safety,
Mr Dalgleish said: "Throughout the period SES volunteers from Castlemaine, Wycheproof, Bendigo, Marong, Loddon Mallee Regional Unit, St Arnaud responded to calls supporting the local community.Wedderburn CFA supported SES crews on Tuesday with the provision of sandbags and other duties as required.
"Victoria Police search and rescue teams responded to Wedderburn on Christmas day, andwas on hand via radio with other specialist support as required.
"Land Based Swift Rescue Operators are highly trained and equipped rescue operators who have the skills to work through evolving and life-threatening situations."
Mr Dalgleish saidsummer was prone to Severe Thunderstorms, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hail.
He again urged people to have a plan if their property is surrounded by floodwater and an emergency toolkit contacting battery powered radios, battery powered phone charger, or medication.
Meanwhile, the Wedderburn SES unit remains inactive with a special town meeting on January 15 to discuss the future of the unit.