SES reveals worst storm damaged areas in Victoria

The SES is putting homeowners on notice to prepare their properties for a wild storm season this summer. It comes as they reveal the biggest call-out hotspots across Victoria.

The SES was called to the Goulburn Valley hundreds of times in FY23. Picture: Mark Wilson

Victoria SES is putting homeowners on notice to prepare their homes for a wild storm season this summer.

Benalla has taken out the top spot in the SES’s top ten worst storm damaged areas list.

Three of the top ten storm battered suburbs were in the Shepparton region including Echuca, Shepparton and Mooroopna.

Lilydale, Mildura, Mornington, Croydon, Craigieburn and Hamilton round out the top ten. According to VICSES data, volunteers received a total of 32,985 requests for assistance in FY23 across the state.

Benalla was the hardest hit suburb with 207 requests for assistance, followed by Echuca with 206, and Lilydale with 195.

SES spokesman Tim Wiebusch said people should not wait for an emergency to have a plan.

“It’s important for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for all emergencies, particularly as we move into summer and especially if you live in a high-risk area,” he said.

“It is vital to know your risk and to have a robust plan in place for storms, flash flooding along with potential bushfires.

“The severe flood impacts that devastated many parts of Victoria last year in October, was one of the most significant flood events in our state’s history.

“As always, our members stepped up for their communities providing much-needed emergency assistance 24 hours a day, and as we move into the next high-risk season, our SES volunteers will continue to support their communities.”

AAMI home claims executive manager Alli Smith said floods were the most common causes of damage to homes across the state.

“When times are tough, it can be hard to prioritise things like home maintenance, particularly spending money on improving the resilience of your home,” she said.

“However, many of these tasks don’t cost or take long, and can be well worth the investment to strengthen the resilience of their biggest asset.”

Ms Smith recommended securing loose items around your property, trimming tree branches, cleaning your gutters and parking your car undercover to help minimise storm damage.