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South Gippsland Shire Council update on the September 2024 storm event

Stay updated on the September 2024 storm event. Get current information on the storm's status, affected areas, and safety measures. For more details, visit: Storm Event Update.

By news@gippsland - 2nd September 2024 - Back to News

Get the latest updates on the September storm event 2024. Stay informed about the latest developments on the September storm. This update covers the storm's current status, affected areas and safety measures to take. For more information, please please visit Storm Event Update website.

Please avoid unnecessary travel. Be considerate of teams working hard to clear roads, assist residents, and restore services

Storm event update

Weather Update: Bureau of Meteorology

• The immediate threat of coastal hazards has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary
• A weakening cold front approaches on Thursday
• Another cold front is set to cross Victoria on Friday

Power Outages

• Many South Gippsland towns are scheduled to have power restored today
• Construction to repair the Poowong fault is expected to commence tomorrow
• Outages can be followed via Ausnet website

Showers

• Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre, 20-30 Charles Street
• Available until 9.00pm tonight
• Please BYO towels, soaps and shampoos

Phone and device charging is available (please BYO charger) at:

• Leongatha Library - until 7.00pm
• Korumburra Indoor Recreation Reserve - until 9.00pm

Food safety

In emergency situations such as power failures, it is important good food safety practices are continually followed, to avoid food poisoning. The most important thing is to try to keep cold and frozen food cold. If food is still cold to touch (less than 5 degrees), it is safe to use.

Before and after a power failure:

• Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, it can be kept and eaten for up to 4 hours and then it must be thrown away
• If it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten
• Eat hot food within 4 hours of it being heated or throw it away
• If power is restored when frozen food is still frozen solid the food is safe

During a power failure, the following actions will keep frozen and cold food frozen or chilled for longer:

• Move food from the fridge to the freezer
• If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if power failure lasts more than 1 hour
• Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food, where possible
• Only open fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary, this will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer

More information at Victoria State Government - Department of Health website.

Council Requests for Assistance

136 roads were impacted by the storm event. 121 are now cleared and one remains closed:

• Dumbalk East - Stony Creek Road, Dumbalk (Farmers Road to Stony Creek Road)
• At the moment we are just providing 'emergency response', which is to say that we are ensuring vehicles can navigate the road. All of those roads will require a revisit at a later stage for additional clean up
• If you need to report an incident please report it via the telephone

SES Update

Council has been working closely with the SES who have received over 800 requests for assistance across Gippsland

Koowarra Landfill and Transfer Station

There is currently no EFTPOS available at the Koonwarra Landfill and Transfer Station due to a signal drop out.

Water

See South Gippsland Water for more details.

• Poowong residents: As your power is still out, you may see South Gippsland Water and Bass Coast Waste crews pumping out individual properties as a precaution
• If you're experiencing slow drainage, gurgling or unusual noises from your pressure sewer or even a sewer overflow, call South Gippsland Water immediately on 1300 851 636
• You can lower the chance of your pressure sewer overflowing by reducing the wastewater you send down the drain

This means, where possible, minimising activities such as taking a shower or bath, flushing the toilet or doing the dishes.

Other

Thank you to all of the crews SES, CFA, AusNet and Council who have been working around the clock to restore services, clear roads and keep our community safe.

Pictures from Ausnet Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com