RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service

2010-03-22 12:53:39 - Hailstorm - Australia

EDIS CODE: HS-20100322-25408-AUS
Date & Time: 2010-03-22 12:53:39 [UTC]
Area: Australia, State of Western Australia, , Perth

Not confirmed information!

Description:

The biggest storm to hit Perth in 50 years has caused massive destruction across the city. Within a couple of hours of the storm passing through, more than 150,000 homes were without power, residents flooded Fire and Emergency Services helplines desperate for assistance, roads were underwater and traffic in some areas was at a standstill. Almost 100 sets of traffic lights were out and planes were stranded at both Perth airports. The State Emergency Service has had reports of structural damage to several major hospitals and aged care facilities, and these cases were the priority.

A landslide through Kings Park down to Mounts Bay Road has buried and crushed two cars, with police unable to confirm whether there were any occupants inside. The cars were in parking bays, so police are hopeful nobody was inside. The landslide went through the Adelphi apartments, which have been evacuated. The power and gas at the apartments has been turned off. Emergency services have sealed off Jacob's Ladder because foundations were washed away in the storm. Homes have been destroyed, with commercial property and infrastructure also damaged after the severe hail storm and 35mm of rain hit the city about 4pm today. Two storm fronts battered the northern suburbs before heading south towards the city. A SES spokesman urged people with damage to their homes to call the helpline 132 500 only if the damage was so great they could not fix it themselves. Calls for assistance would be placed in a queue depending on their urgency. Western Power is calling on people to only ring to report dangerous situations, with the organisation inundated with calls about power outages. Drivers have been warned to avoid Mounts Bay Road after a mini-landslide from Kings Park.

Metropolitan Cemeteries spokesman Andrew Fox said all funerals will be cancelled tomorrow. "We are trying to get hold of all funeral directors because at the moment all funeral at all metro cemeteries are cancelled," Mr Fox said. "We don’t won't people to show up because it's not going to be happening. "We don't know (how many funerals will be cancelled) ... once we are able to get in and see how big the damage is (then we will know)." Transperth spokesman David Hines said services on the Thornlie, Fremantle and Joondalup lines have been closed due to electrical problems. The storm has knocked out signaling systems. More trains were affected by debris across the tracks, electrical faults and power outtages which also affected signals and knocked out ticketing systems. Perth Airport officials have reported long delays to domestic and international flights. No flights have been cancelled but WAtoday.com.au understands dozens of passengers are stranded on board planes on the runway unable to take-off. The domestic terminal building has been damaged, according to passengers. Travellers are advised to contact their airline for updated information.

Posted:2010-03-22 12:53:39 [UTC]