Power Outages and Destruction in Victoria and Tasmania
Southeast Australian states are bracing for another bout of wild winds, further complicating recovery efforts from severe weather that has already caused extensive damage. On Wednesday afternoon, approximately 13,000 properties in Victoria remained without electricity. In Tasmania, more than 10,000 homes were still off the grid, leaving residents facing harsh conditions without power.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings of a “fresh burst” of damaging winds expected to hit parts of Victoria and Tasmania on Wednesday night. Meteorologists have cautioned that these winds may be even more potent at higher elevations, posing a significant risk to those regions still recovering from the previous storm.
The situation remains dire in Tasmania, where the clean-up from earlier storms is still underway. The state’s emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any further damage caused by the incoming weather.
Moama Cabin Death Highlights the Severity of the Storms
The severe weather has already claimed lives, underscoring the dangers posed by these storms. In New South Wales (NSW), a 63-year-old woman tragically lost her life when a tree fell on her holiday cabin in Moama. The incident, now heavily referred to as the “Moama cabin death,” has shocked the nation and brought attention to the extreme conditions affecting the southeast. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and strength of nature.
Authorities warn residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, especially as more wild weather is forecasted. The Moama cabin death serves as a sombre warning of the potential dangers that the incoming winds may bring.
Figure 2: The woman’s body was discovered by crews inside the heavily damaged cabin. © Nine
Warnings Extend to South Australia and New South Wales
The threat of damaging winds is not confined to Victoria and Tasmania. The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a severe wind warning for the NSW south coast, southern tablelands, and Snowy Mountains. In addition, a second front, expected to arrive on Thursday night, could extend into South Australia, bringing the possibility of further destruction.
However, there is a slight reprieve on the horizon. Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury has indicated that the winds accompanying the second front are unlikely to be as intense or widespread as those experienced in recent days. Although the situation remains precarious, it offers some hope for a calmer weekend.
Health and Safety Alerts for Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay
In Victoria, the impact of the storms extends beyond power outages and property damage. Residents have been urged to avoid swimming in Port Phillip Bay off Melbourne due to poor water quality caused by stormwater runoff. The Victoria Environment Protection Authority has issued a water quality alert, warning that the conditions in the bay could pose health risks to both people and their pets.
The situation became particularly concerning on Tuesday when red algae carpeted St Kilda beach. The authorities have warned that this phenomenon, coupled with the stormwater runoff, could severely affect health. Darren Cottam, a water scientist from the Environment Protection Authority, advised against swimming for at least 48 hours after rainfall. He added that with the current weather conditions and sustained high winds, it may take even longer for water quality to return to safe levels.
Tasmania Faces Extensive Agricultural Losses
The damage in Tasmania has not been limited to residential areas. In the Derwent Valley, 37 properties, including homes and sports facilities, were damaged by flooding. The state’s agricultural sector has also suffered significant losses, with TasFarmers president Ian Sauer estimating the damage bill could run into millions of dollars.
Farmers in Tasmania have faced multiple challenges, including power outages that have forced them to rely on generators. The wild winds have caused extensive damage to farm infrastructure, with reports of shed roofs being ripped off and centre-pivot irrigators blown over. The impact on livestock has also been severe, with some cows killed by falling trees as they sought shelter.
The devastation in Tasmania has been described as a recent most sustained weather event. Farmers have expressed their concerns, noting that they were unable to keep milk cold or even milk the cows in some instances due to the power outages.
Government and Emergency Services Response
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Tasmanian government has announced payments of $350 for residents who have been without power for 72 hours or more. This support is crucial as the state grapples with the storm’s aftermath.
Tasmanian SES executive director Mick Lowe has urged residents to remain vigilant, especially with further rain forecast in the coming days. He emphasised the importance of safety during clean-up efforts, particularly in areas where damaged trees and fallen power lines pose significant hazards.
The Moama cabin death and the extensive damage across the southeast highlight the need for ongoing caution as Australia faces yet another round of wild weather.
