Bureau of Meteorology warns another front to hit SA next week
THE multi-million dollar clean-up following this week’s deluge is expected to take months, as authorities warn to brace for more wet weather next week.
- DESTRUCTION: How the wild storms caused widespread chaos
- THE PULSE: How we covered the storm
- VIRAL: How that amazing drenched koaloa photo was taken
THE multi-million dollar clean-up following this week’s damaging spring storm is expected to take months as authorities warn South Australians to brace for more wet weather next week.
Wild weather caused widespread flooding to at least 80 homes on Wednesday while residents were evacuated, cut-off or stranded in their homes as more than 100mm of rain fell in some areas.
Premier Jay Weatherill said it was too early to determine a damage bill for the storm event, which is expected to reach tens of millions of dollars. He said flood-affected families could be eligible for $700 in relief funding and $700 in clean-up grants.
A section of Montacute Rd was swallowed by a raging torrent and at Old Noarlunga, the State Emergency Service evacuated residents from 75 homes when the Onkaparinga River broke its banks. The State Emergency Service responded to more than 850 calls, most of which related to flooding, fallen trees and road clearing.
“While many of us were at home warm and safe they were out clearing trees, filling sandbags and assisting hundreds and hundreds of South Australians in a time of need,” Mr Weatherill said.
He urged residents to be prepared ahead of more rain on Saturday and heavier falls likely next week. “If the weather event falls in the same area, it’s going to replicate these conditions,” he said.
Some people were forced to spend the night in relief shelters, while some residents at Waterfall Gully were still unable to access their homes late on Thursday.
Thirty-nine roads were closed, including Waterfall Gully Rd, Waterfall Gully and Montacute Rd, Montacute, because of flooding and damage.
Damage during the storm — which dumped 122mm at Ashton in the Adelaide Hills and 98mm in the Mount Lofty catchment area in the 24 hours to 6am Thursday — included a building collapse at Brown Hill Creek and landslide at Mitcham.
Father-of-two Mark Campbell was watching TV about 8.30pm on Wednesday with his wife, their daughter, 12, and son, 14, when a landslide crashed through their living room at Mitcham.
SES volunteers arrived “in minutes” to advise the family their home was safe enough to stay in overnight — but it would have to be all in one room.
“Nobody was injured, that’s the big thing — but the walkway outside looks a bit dangerous because there’s (no soil) underneath, it’s all fallen away,’’ Mr Campbell said. “I suppose it was a bit of excitement (and) the kids have something to talk about at school.’’
Repair works began on Waterfall Gully Rd, which remained closed last night after the creek burst its banks near the Chambers Gully entrance, causing flooding that damaged several homes and a build-up of rocks stretching for 50m.
Residents who fled their properties late on Wednesday were on Thursday forced to walk up to 3km to access their homes. Many arrived to find flooded backyards, kitchens and sheds.
Margaret Tucker — who had remained at her Waterfall Gully home — said she had never seen anything like Wednesday’s deluge.
“We sandbagged the home and were sweeping the water with brooms,” Mrs Tucker said. “I think we did quite well to save a lot.”
Adrian and Penny Cowell were forced on to the second floor of their home on Wednesday night as water flooded through their property, washing away bikes and firewood.
“The force of the water was just terrifying,” Mr Cowell said.
The Adelaide Hills Council expects Montacute Rd, part of which washed away, to be closed for months ahead of repair works. At the Torrens weir, up to 50 cubic metres of waste — the majority green waste, including trees — drifted from upstream.
Adelaide City Council associate director public realm Tom McLeary said the rain had brought upstream debris to the weir, causing one of the biggest buildups of material to make its way down the Torrens. “The important factor is that the large majority of that didn’t make it down to the sea,” he said.
A clean-up, which began on Thursday, is expected to take about two weeks.
“Within a week or so, you’ll start to see it return to its natural glory,” Mr McLeary said.
RAA Insurance senior claims manager Hayley Cain said more than 200 claims from Wednesday’s storm had been lodged. “We expect the damage bill to be well in excess of $1 million,” she said.
SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie urged South Australians to remain vigilant as more rain is forecast. “Take this opportunity to prepare your property if you feel that you may be at risk,” he said.
He said SES volunteers were tired after a busy 26 hours, adding: “They are looking forward to a well-earned rest. But we will be getting them focused again for next week.” The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast 19C and a slight chance of a shower in the Hills and Adelaide’s southern suburbs today, ahead of another 4-10mm in Adelaide and 15C tomorrow.
More heavy rain is expected in South Australia next week.
— with Doug Robertson, Jade Gailberger and Dan Jervis-Bardy