Paul Hollamby, Local Manager from Gosnells State Emergency Service reports a mini tornado hit Canning Vale last Friday, about 8am. Approximately 18 homes within the area of Bengalla Street Canning Vale received damage to houses or property. Another 4 houses in the City of Gosnells also received damage.
Six houses suffered major damage from the storm including collapsed carports, patios torn from the property, partially damaged roof tops, as well as problems with power, after patio sheeting got caught in power lines. Houses a few hundred metres away also experienced damage from flying debris. 36 volunteers in 6 teams contributed 300 hours to assist residents within the City of Gosnells.
State Emergency Service (SES) rescue teams from Armadale, Belmont, Canning and Kalamunda assisted the Gosnells SES unit. The SES was also supported by the City of Gosnells, Salvation Army, Western Power, FESA and the Department for Child Protection, which allowed the SES volunteers to focus on effecting temporary repairs to houses.
This was the first major storm for the winter, said Gosnells SES Local Manager Paul Hollamby. All home owners are reminded that now is the time to prepare their homes for the storm season. You should check your gutters and roof for damage, clear gutters and downpipes so they won’t overflow in heavy rain, and trim any branches or trees near homes.
It is worth remembering that volunteers would not be able to make this commitment without the support of their families and employers.
