Oliver Lees
SES Sunbury has responded to more than 100 calls for assistance as extreme winds tore down trees and power lines this morning.
Since 6.30am this morning the SES Sunbury Unit has had its entire fleet of trucks and cars out in the community in an attempt to clear tree debris from roads and properties.
The SES Gisborne Unit and Diggers Rest CFA was also out and about in Sunbury to help sort through the high volume of requests.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, wind speeds in Melbourne reached 143 kilometres per hour in the early morning.
SES Sunbury spokesperson Jarrod Bell said the volume of calls for assistance was the highest the unit had received in a 24 hour period for a number of years.
“We’ve been running absolutely flat out,” he said.
“By and large there has been tree damage everywhere, it’s absolute bedlam, with trees across major roads, trees impacting cars and trees impacting buildings.
“Lots of trees have taken out power lines at least four of five, more without a doubt across the state as well.”
Mr Bell said SES Sunbury was currently attending to a tree that had fallen and blocked Elizabeth Drive in Sunbury.
Mr Bell said no one had been reported as injured in the Sunbury region but urged caution as clean-up efforts continue.
“Our message to the community is to try to avoid going out and standing under compromised trees. Those hanging branches are widowmakers for a reason – Aus timber is very heavy, if it falls it will kill a person.”
Mr Bell said there may be delays for those calling for assistance due to the high volume of callers across using the service across the state.
If you are in-need of assistance, contact SES: 132 500
For life threatening situations, contact Triple Zero.
