NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has concluded storm and clean up operations today after almost 1000 damage assessments were completed in Taree, Maitland, the Central Coast, Newcastle and parts of the Hunter.
Since the severe weather hit last Wednesday 15 January, NSW SES responded to more than 9,420 incidents across the state.
During this time there was considerable damage to a number of homes, commercial buildings and sheds. More than 2,500 volunteers from the NSW SES contributed almost 60,000 volunteer hours alongside emergency partners.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said:
“These storms had significant impacts with thousands of trees damaging properties and impacting people’s livelihoods.
“Our volunteers have been working tirelessly supporting communities right across the state – on chainsaws, heights teams, incident management and community liaison teams.
“I toured some of the worst hit areas of the Hunter during the week, and it was heartwarming to see local volunteers and volunteers from Dubbo, Broken Hill, Ballina and other parts of NSW travel to support people they’ve never even met.
“You can’t help but be inspired by this spirit of volunteering – people helping people following devastating storms and floods.
“I’d also like to mention the great work from impacted councils, our emergency service partners, volunteer organisations and community groups as well as the NSW Reconstruction Authority, who have all been working hard supporting their communities and no doubt will continue to do so as they recover from these storms.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“First responders have worked around the clock during the recent weather events and it is now the role of the NSW Reconstruction Authority to help communities recover.
“We have teams on the ground and are working closely with Recovery Partners to provide the support and assistance through a range of measures in the coming weeks.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“It has been a busy period for first responders who have been working tirelessly to provide impacted communities with the support they need.
“The NSW Government is working with local councils and emergency response organisations to assess the damage from last week’s storms as we transition towards the recovery phase.
“I’ve been speaking with MPs from impacted communities and updating them as assessments for Natural Disaster Declarations continue.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority has opened Recovery Assistance Points in Woodberry and Raymond Terrace.
Woodberry Recovery Assistance Point
11 Lawson Street Woodberry
Thursday 23 January opening hours: 11am to 6pm
Friday 24 January opening hours: 9am to 3pm
Raymond Terrace Recovery Assistant Point
Raymond Terrace Senior Citizen Hall, 17E Irrawang St, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Thursday 23 January opening hours: 1pm to 7pm
Friday 24 January opening hours: 9am to 3pm
Incidents by zone
Metro Zone: 5110
North Eastern Zone: 211
North Western Zone: 94
Northern Zone: 2839
Southern Eastern Zone: 392
Southern Zone: 360
State Headquarters: 26
Western Zone: 388
Total: 9420
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234