Fears of storms, flooding
FIREFIGHTERS have been pulled from fire grounds as thunderstorms and flash floods sweep across Victoria.
Heavy downpours, which began to roll in yesterday afternoon, have provided some relief for firefighting efforts in East Gippsland and the state’s northeast but authorities warn the wild weather could bring down trees, blocking access for emergency services.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said that in the past people had died when fire grounds suffered flash flooding, so crews would be moved to safety. She said the rain was positive but “unfortunately coming in this massive amount in one go, quickly, does cause some risk”.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch warning for fire-ravaged areas and a thunderstorm warning for most of the state.
Senior forecaster Dean Narramore said intense storms would continue until tomorrow afternoon in what was tipped to be Victoria’s “wettest two-day period in many, many months”.
It comes as 14 fires burn across the state.
AN 85ha bushfire on French Island was yet to be declared under control last night. The blaze destroyed a collection of vintage cars and a shed but had not reached homes;
THE road to Mallacoota will reopen today for residents only, weather permitting; and SEVENTY people will be flown by helicopter to Mallacoota today to be reunited with relatives there.
The French Island fire has created concerns for the island’s large koala population.
A wildlife triage unit was set up yesterday and one koala was treated for facial burns and taken to the mainland.
Koalas number in their thousands, while only 119 people live on the island.
French Island General Store co-owner Brent Le Serve said it had been a difficult weekend but people on the island were “very humbled” by the swift response of fire crews.
“It was unbelievable. Friends of mine in the CFA didn’t get home until 6am,” he said. “Everyone is just grateful for their work.” He said people were worried koalas had died.
“It’s heart-wrenching. Koalas are part of everyday life, you see them in the middle of the road. It’s heartbreaking, really,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victorians who have had their homes, shops and sheds destroyed in the bushfires can have their properties cleaned up at no cost under a $75 million program jointly provide by the state and federal governments.
Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the program would demolish, remove and safely dispose of all buildings destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
“Insured and uninsured property owners won’t be required to contribute to the cost of the program,” he said.