ID :
207870
Sun, 09/18/2011 - 15:56
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/207870
The shortlink copeid
Storms damage homes across WA
SYDNEY (AAP) - 18 Sept - Storms have caused havoc across central and southern Western Australia on Sunday, with flooding in some areas, many homes damaged, trees uprooted and powerlines brought down.
And there is a threat of more to come as authorities are expecting the wild weather to persist well into Sunday night in some parts of the state.
The state's Fire and Emergency Services Authority says it answered 84 calls for help across the Perth metropolitan area alone after a strong cold front swept through several suburbs on Sunday morning.
There were 13 call-outs in the Mandurah area, south of Perth, where wind and rain damaged a number of homes.
Trees toppled on several houses in suburban Maddington and Westfield, while an evaporative air-conditioner was blown off a roof in Waikiki.
More than 140 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from 14 units have been busy since 3am (WST) on Sunday making temporary repairs to properties in the Perth area .
The SES also responded to more than 30 calls for help after a powerful cold front struck Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the Goldfields region on Sunday afternoon.
Residents of storm-hit areas have been warned to be careful of debris and damaged buildings, and they have been urged to check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help.
In the event of asbestos damage, residents are reminded they should seek professional advice before attempting any repairs or even a clean-up as the material could be dangerous, the SES says.
Motorists have also been warned to try to avoid areas where powerlines and trees have been brought down.
The SES says motorists should drive with extra care because emergency services personnel and vehicles may be in the area.
A weather warning has also been issued for people in Hopetoun, Kellerberrin, Paynes Find, Sandstone, Leonora and Israelite Bay, where storms were also expected on Sunday night.
The SES has advised residents to store or weigh down loose items such as outdoor furniture, which can become lethal flying objects in strong winds, and also move vehicles under cover.
They are also reminded to keep pets and animals in a safe area, close curtains and blinds, stay inside away from windows, unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning in the area.
They are also reminded to ensure they have a complete emergency kit handy, including battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first-aid kit.
If caught outside, people should seek shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams, the SES says.
Drivers have also been reminded to slow down, turn their lights on and keep a safe distance from other motorists.
If it is raining heavily and visibility is reduced, pull over and park with the hazard lights on until the rain clears, the SES says.
And there is a threat of more to come as authorities are expecting the wild weather to persist well into Sunday night in some parts of the state.
The state's Fire and Emergency Services Authority says it answered 84 calls for help across the Perth metropolitan area alone after a strong cold front swept through several suburbs on Sunday morning.
There were 13 call-outs in the Mandurah area, south of Perth, where wind and rain damaged a number of homes.
Trees toppled on several houses in suburban Maddington and Westfield, while an evaporative air-conditioner was blown off a roof in Waikiki.
More than 140 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from 14 units have been busy since 3am (WST) on Sunday making temporary repairs to properties in the Perth area .
The SES also responded to more than 30 calls for help after a powerful cold front struck Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the Goldfields region on Sunday afternoon.
Residents of storm-hit areas have been warned to be careful of debris and damaged buildings, and they have been urged to check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help.
In the event of asbestos damage, residents are reminded they should seek professional advice before attempting any repairs or even a clean-up as the material could be dangerous, the SES says.
Motorists have also been warned to try to avoid areas where powerlines and trees have been brought down.
The SES says motorists should drive with extra care because emergency services personnel and vehicles may be in the area.
A weather warning has also been issued for people in Hopetoun, Kellerberrin, Paynes Find, Sandstone, Leonora and Israelite Bay, where storms were also expected on Sunday night.
The SES has advised residents to store or weigh down loose items such as outdoor furniture, which can become lethal flying objects in strong winds, and also move vehicles under cover.
They are also reminded to keep pets and animals in a safe area, close curtains and blinds, stay inside away from windows, unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning in the area.
They are also reminded to ensure they have a complete emergency kit handy, including battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first-aid kit.
If caught outside, people should seek shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams, the SES says.
Drivers have also been reminded to slow down, turn their lights on and keep a safe distance from other motorists.
If it is raining heavily and visibility is reduced, pull over and park with the hazard lights on until the rain clears, the SES says.
