Clean-up continues after savage storms smash Ipswich
01 November 2020
Ipswich City Council, together with emergency crews, are continuing to provide assistance after severe storms smashed the region on Saturday, causing extensive property damage.
The hardest hit suburbs were Springfield, Springfield Lakes and Rosewood.
Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich SES received more than 1,350 calls for assistance, with almost 1,200 of those in Springfield and Springfield Lakes alone.
“The damage to homes and vehicles is extensive,” Mayor Harding said.
“The hail was so large in some instances that it has smashed through roofs, causing them to collapse and creating unsafe situations for families.
“The Ipswich Disaster Management Group began responding immediately following the storms and is continuing to coordinate our city’s response this morning.
“The first priority has been ensuring people’s safety.”
Mayor Harding said it was important anyone with solar panels take appropriate steps when assessing damage to their property.
“Even though mains electricity may be currently interrupted, residents need to be aware that solar panels could still be generating harmful electricity,” Mayor Harding said.
“Do not take any risks. If your roof or solar system was damaged during the storm, do not attempt to reconnect your solar PV system.”
To isolate the solar system follow the solar system isolation procedure (this should be found in the solar control panel). If damage is found to solar system components, it should be assessed by a Solar Accredited Licenced Electrician.
Mayor Harding said there had been high demand on council and SES crews.
“Please know our crews are working hard and responding as quickly as they can to calls for assistance,” Mayor Harding said.
“This morning we have 93 people on the ground and more than 1,000 active jobs.
“We’re also asking anyone who may have contacted the SES for assistance but no longer requires it to please call and let us know so we can prioritise the response of crews appropriately.”
Ipswich SES crews will be joined today by volunteers from Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
“I want to thank these communities for their support and also the wonderful volunteers who make up our city’s rural fire service and SES,” Mayor Harding said.
Anyone who needs non-life threatening assistance should contact the SES on 132 500.