22/06/2021
For 24 hours, on 9 and 10 June 2021, parts of Victoria were battered by a severe weather system that caused widespread destruction.
In the Dandenong Ranges, outer east of Melbourne, the destruction and devastation caused by wild winds with speeds reported by the ABC of up to 200km an hour is heartbreaking. Roads have been cut off, homes and public buildings destroyed, residents, pets and wildlife injured and/or traumatised. Experienced emergency service staff are describing it as a war zone.
DELWP have reported Emergency services received more than 8800 calls statewide for help that night and in following days. An SES vehicle was damaged beyond repair, and AusNet withdrew technicians from the area because the danger was too great.
Several residents of The Dandenongs have kindly shared photos and videos taken in the days since Wednesday evening’s wild storm.
As you’ll see from the photos shared the area will take many months to clean up – and it must be cleaned up before the bushfire season when the fallen trees and branches become fuel load. The Dandenong Ranges are also one of the areas of Victoria that are at the greatest risk of bushfire.
Trees and branches are still falling, and all fallen powerlines must be treated as ‘live’ – the area is dangerous. Police have road blocks in place and are only letting local traffic through. The Dandenongs is a disaster zone and people who do not belong in the area should stay away – don’t be a ‘disaster tourist’!
More than 100 homes were destroyed and thousands more homes, fences, and outbuildings suffered extensive damage.
Power to thousands has only just been restored in some areas in the last 24 hours, but as of today (Tuesday 15 June) many areas are still without power and some may face this situation for weeks.
First aid support tents staffed by volunteer qualified medical professionals have been set up in areas across the hills to assist the many locals who have been injured.
The area has been declared a disaster zone by the Victorian Government which will help those able to claim damage and repairs on insurance. Unfortunately, not all needs can be covered by insurance or disaster relief grants. There are people simply looking for a roof over their heads, somewhere to work, a generator with enough power to draw water from their tank to the house, warmth as the hills weather dips to single digits through winter and many, many other needs. Meeting all these through the resources of existing welfare organisations will be almost impossible.
The Hills & The Dandenongs Facebook group community in conjunction with Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS), have created an appeal which will be used to provide essential needs for residents of The Dandenong Ranges, with appropriate checks and balances. We want to ensure that people and their pets are kept warm, dry, and healthy. This fund will cover ‘the cracks’ where funding from grants, insurance, or other agencies are not able to assist.
To donate to Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service Disaster Recovery Appeal:
Visit the website for a direct link - https://www.givenow.com.au/dandenongrangesemergencyrelief
Bank deposit or transfer to:
Bank: Bendigo Bank
Account Name: DRERS
BSB: 633000
Account: 140850967
Please use EMERGENCY RELIEF as your payment reference
After an emergency or distressing event is it normal for people to have a range of reactions, be that a physical, emotional, mental, or behavioural reaction.
If you feel that you need support at this difficult time reach out to:
Lifeline 13 11 14 or
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
Look out for everyone, and remember it's OK to not be OK
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service is a local community group of volunteers providing a listening ear, support, referrals and emergen...
