The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) has received a record number of calls for assistance following Monday’s severe hail storm.
ACT ESA operators have so far taken more than 2,ooo calls for help, more than double the previous record of 998 following a wind storm back in January 2017.
A spokesperson for ACT ESA said crews had completed 580 assistance requests (as of 5pm, Tuesday 21 January) and were continuing to work through a backlog of more than 1,400 outstanding calls for help.
“Crews made up of ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire and Rescue and Transport Canberra and City Services are working together to respond to roof damage, fallen trees, skylight damage and broken solar panels,” the spokesperson said.
“Volunteers from NSW State Emergency Service have arrived to support our ACT crews.”
“They will be working closely with our volunteers over the coming days to support the Canberra community.”
Access Canberra and the National Capital Authority have announced they will not issue fines to damaged cars left in Government-controlled car parks and roadside parking.
“We understand that due to the number of vehicles impacted by the weather event that removal of vehicles, such as getting them towed, may take some time and an understanding approach will be taken,” Access Canberra said.
The Australian National University rostered extra security guards to protect damaged cars in its carparks and arranged buses for students left stranded by the storm damage.
The storm caused considerable damage to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) glasshouses, with 65 suffering broken panels.
“CSIRO moved quickly to ensure the health and safety of staff and cordoned off the glasshouse area until the safety of buildings is restored and damaged assessments are completed,” a CSIRO spokesperson said.
“Assessments are expected to continue over the coming days and weeks.”
The spokesperson said the extent of damage to agricultural research would be determined as part of the assessment process.
