By Jed Lanyon
Emergency services were still working hard to clear driveways and properties of felled trees across the Yarra Valley almost a week after devastating storms swept across the state.
Healesville SES Unit Controller Andrew Worley said things were slowly returning “back to normal” as parts of Healesville regained power and his unit caught up with the many calls for assistance.
He said Healesville SES responded to 100 calls for help across four days, with 80 of those coming within the first 48 hours from midday Wednesday 9 June.
“Of the incidents we’ve attended, the vast majority have been tree down traffic hazards, with trees over roads and many trees blocking access to people’s properties so they can’t get in and out,” he said.
Areas in Healesville and Yarra Glen were primarily impacted by flooding, where the priority of the SES unit became preparing local residents with sandbagging as rising water levels threatened properties.
“It was about stopping the water from coming into people’s houses and then for others trying to prevent the damage from getting worse.”
As the worst of the extreme weather passed and the response returned to recovery, Mr Worley said he and his unit were met with great support from the local community.
Healesville SES members arrived to clear a tree that had fallen onto a carport, damaging two cars. The neighbours kids watched on and presented the volunteers with a box of chocolates and a card thanking them for their efforts.
“It’s great. Especially when everybody’s working so hard and is tired and thinking about what is going on in their own home,” Mr Worley said. “Just to have that recognition even if it’s something small like that, it’s rewarding and it reminds us why we do what we do.
“The support has been great as we’re driving around from one job to another. People are waving to us at every job we attend and people are very grateful and have offered us tea and coffees even though they didn’t have any power to make it.”
Healesville SES are currently loaning out one of their vehicles to their neighbouring Lilydale SES unit after their truck was damaged during the storm recovery. It’s currently being used to deliver food and goods to the worst impacted residents in Mount Dandenong and Kalorama.
He urged locals in the Yarra Valley to keep up to date with the latest advice and updates from Vic Emergency, Yarra Ranges Council and other relevant authorities.
“If your home has been flooded, have all utilities such as gas and electricity professionally tested before use,” A VICSES statement reads.
“When cleaning, protect your health and safety, wear strong boots, gloves and protective clothing and wash your hands and clothes regularly.”
