Residents whose homes were destroyed by a tornado that tore through the Western Australian city of Bunbury will be eligible for up to $4,000 in financial help from the state government.
WA Premier Roger Cook made the announcement on Sunday during a visit to the city, where the government said about 100 buildings were damaged and roughly seven were left uninhabitable by Friday’s storm.
Authorities said the figures could increase as rapid damage assessments were carried out.
As the clean-up continues, Bunbury residents whose homes were destroyed will be able to access a $4,000 payment, while those whose homes suffered “severe damage” will be eligible to receive $2,000.
“These are payments put in place to assist people with the immediate costs of the extensive damage that they’ve receive to their homes,” Mr Cook said.
Extended power outage payments of $120 will also be available for residents who have been without electricity fo 12 hours or more.
Asbestos alert
The damage and debris has prompted a “potential presence of asbestos” alert to be issued.
One of the worst affected areas is the Hay Park sports area, where the Police and Citizens’ Youth Centre (PCYC) and local hockey courts are.
A hazmat warning has been issued for residents bounded by Hudson Road, Bussell Highway, Washington Avenue, Parade Road, Westwood Street and Ocean Drive in the suburb of Withers.
Residents have been asked to stay away from the hazard area.
“There is a lot of destruction,” Mr Cook said.
“We’ve got a lot of asbestos on the streets, and we’ve got specialist teams on the ground as we speak trying to clean that up.”
Loading…
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has urged residents who suspect there is asbestos present around their property to be cautious.
“Residents should take appropriate measures before attempting to clean up,” he said.
“So they need to wear appropriate personal protection equipment and they can, of course, call DFES and get assistance.”
Mr Cook thanked the emergency response teams and the community for their resilience.
“The hearts of the WA community go out to those who have been impacted,” he said.
“We’ve seen a huge response … many people have already got on with fixing their neighbour’s roofs and fences, assisting each other with the clean-up.”
Residents unable to return home
Withers resident Quinn Armstrong said she had been blocked off from returning to her property since Saturday.
While her home was not damaged by the tornado, she lives in the asbestos hazmat zone.
“I tried getting home after getting some essentials from the store and was told that I can’t go home,” she told the ABC.
“Had the clothes on my back and that was pretty much it.
“I’ve been house hopping from my friends and family just trying to find somewhere to sleep.”
Loading…
Ms Armstrong said many of her friends were in the same situation – some being sole carers for vulnerable relatives and one needing to travel to Perth with the evacuation centre closed, and no family in the area.
Mr Dawson said authorities were working to restore electricity to about 279 properties in the area that remained without power on Sunday.
“We anticipate having the power back on for those last few affected houses by four o’clock this afternoon,” he said.
Nine displaced residents have been placed in temporary accommodation for the next seven days.
Schools in Bunbury are set to reopen on Monday.
Couple’s home uninhabitable after tornado
Kyle Moore and Breanna Johnson were inside their apartment when the roof caved in.
“We were just so frightened,” Mr Moore said.
“We didn’t know if the rest of the roof was going to crumble or not.
“I sent myself out underneath the fallen ceiling, against my own better judgement, because… our poor cat was there at the time.”
Mr Moore said they were counting their blessings, despite the terrifying ordeal.
“We’re just very fortunate, [our cat] was OK,” he said.
“We’re very fortunate that we didn’t get hurt.”
Loading
Posted , updated